The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Norwich Inc. is pleased to announce the two 2024 recipients of the Rev. Richard F. Roughan Scholarships: Katherine Hawkins, daughter of Russell and Victoria Hawkins of Waterford; and Sean Kramer, son of Christopher and Nicole Kramer of Waterford. Katherine is entering her sophomore year at the University of Rhode Island, where she is majoring in innovation and entrepreneurship, with a minor in environmental economics. Sean is beginning his freshman year at Fairfield University, where he plans to study finance.
Every year, two students are selected by the foundation to receive $5,000 each as Rev. Roughan Scholarship recipients. Rev. Roughan was a longtime pastor at St. Paul Church in Waterford and established the scholarship through his Will. To be considered for this scholarship, a student must be a member of St. Paul Church and complete an essay on “Why My Faith is Important to Me.”
Both recipients are very appreciative of their awards. Kate shared, “Being chosen for such a scholarship is an honor and dear to my heart, since I had struggled for a time with connecting to my faith after I went away to college. Especially in today's world, being Christian is a challenge, however scholarships like this encourage younger Christians to find and keep their faith strong. The generosity and opportunity given by Father Roughan to me and other Christian students to pursue our dreams is, in my eyes, a miracle.” Sean noted, “It is a privilege to be chosen for this award and is something that cannot be taken for granted. I am grateful to the Catholic community and Father Roughan's generosity in offering this scholarship through his Will.
For more information about the Reverend Richard F. Roughan Scholarship or to contribute to the Catholic Foundation, please contact Mary Ellen Mahoney at memahoney@norwichdiocese.net or call 860.886.1928.
By Mary Ellen Mahoney