Assumption, Alumni Establish Colleen Ritzer ’11 Memorial Scholarship

Assumption and members of its Class of 2011 have established an endowed scholarship in the memory of Colleen Ritzer ’11, whose life tragically ended in October 2013. The scholarship recognizes her two lifelong passions: teaching and math. Ritzer was a math teacher at Danvers High School in Danvers, Mass.

The Colleen Ritzer ’11 Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an Assumption junior or senior math major planning to teach at the high school level after graduation. As an endowed scholarship, it will be awarded annually in perpetuity, making it a permanent memorial to Colleen.

“Colleen’s Assumption education enabled her to pursue her vocation as a teacher, which she lived out with passion,” said Assumption President Francesco Cesareo. “This scholarship will provide the opportunity for additional students to pursue their vocation as teachers, which is a fitting tribute to Colleen.”

In addition, a tree will be planted on campus dedicated during a memorial service in spring 2014 at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.