In support of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, the “Sister Mary Ethel Parrott ’69 Endowed Scholarship” was established at Thomas More University.
The scholarship honors Sister Mary Ethel Parrott’s legacy and service to her alma maters, Thomas More University and Notre Dame Academy.
A Covington native, Ethel studied at Notre Dame Academy and enrolled at Thomas More after graduation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from Thomas More in 1969 and received a master of science in physics from the University of Kentucky. She returned to Notre Dame Academy as a faculty member in 1972 and, as an educator in the scientific inspired many young women to discover a passion for the sciences and to pursue higher education.
The Sister Mary Ethel Parrott ’69 Endowed Scholarship was established by Jeanne-Marie Tapke and her husband, Dick Tapke, to provide financial aid in support of Notre Dame Academy graduates who attend Thomas More in pursuit of a degree in the STEM fields. Jeanne-Marie Tapke is a Thomas More alumna and has served on the boards of both Thomas More and Notre Dame Academy.
“This scholarship uplifts and grows women in science, which is exciting and a privilege,” said Jeanne-Marie Tapke in a press release. “Blending the great graduates of Notre Dame Academy with the academic excellence Thomas More is known for makes this an extremely meaningful opportunity.”
The scholarship remains open for funding by additional donors. Anyone interested making a gift may contact Thomas More’s Office of Institutional Advancement. According to the university, more information will be provided to the Notre Dame Academy community regarding the application process in the coming weeks.
The first scholarship will be awarded in the fall of 2025. To qualify, students must have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to retain the scholarship as they pursue an undergraduate degree in a STEM field.
