The Sister Mary Ethel Parrott ’69 Endowed Scholarship was established by Jeanne-Marie Tapke, Ph.D. and her husband Richard Tapke to honor Sister Mary Ethel’s legacy.
Thomas More University has a new endowed scholarship for women who are pursuing an education in STEM. The Sister Mary Ethel Parrot ‘69 Endowed Scholarship is available for female students who attend Thomas More University after graduating from Notre Dame Academy, like Sister Mary Ethel Parrot did herself. The establishment of the scholarship for Notre Dame Academy graduates comes on the heels of an announcement that beginning with the Class of 2025, Notre Dame Academy graduates will receive direct admission to Thomas More University.
According to an article on Thomas More University’s website, Jeanne-Marie Tapke, Ph.D., a Thomas More University alumna and former board member of Notre Dame Academy and of Thomas More University, explained her motivation to set up the scholarship. She is quoted as saying, “This scholarship uplifts and grows women in science, which is exciting, and a privilege. Blending the great graduates of Notre Dame Academy with the academic excellence Thomas More is known for makes this an extremely meaningful opportunity.”
Sister Mary Ethel earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from Thomas More University in 1969, after having attended Notre Dame Academy. She later earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and then returned to Notre Dame Academy as a teacher in 1972. Throughout her career as a faculty member, she had the opportunity to inspire thousands of young women to become interested in science fields and pursue higher education.
The scholarship will first be awarded in the Fall 2025 semester to students who maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average in high school and maintain the same in college as they work toward a STEM degree.
Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D., the university’s president, shared his gratitude for the Tapkes, saying, “We are grateful to be able to further strengthen our relationship with Notre Dame Academy as we honor the legacy and influence of our shared alumna, Sister Mary Ethel. The Tapkes’ generosity will have a lasting impact on our community by empowering young women to pursue STEM careers, and increasing access to a high-quality, Catholic higher education.”
For more information about Thomas More University, visit the school’s website.