K-12 Scholarships

The Angel Fund Scholarship is an endowed fund with multiple supporters who give to support a tuition assistance scholarship for Regina students. The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving current student based on academic success and service to school, parish and/or community.  The Angel Fund Scholarship was established in 2021 with an initial donation from Vince Cano in honor of his parents, Magdaleno and Maria Cano.  Additional gifts to the Angel Fund:
-The Jim & Joan Hynes Family
-In Memory of Terry Bowton, Grandfather of Ethan ’16 & Evan ’18 Suchomel
-Palmer & Sheryl Holden
-In Memory of Robert von Harz
-The John & Karen MacMillan Family

The Frank & Lucille Boyd Family Scholarship was created with memorial gifts and family contributions following Frank‛s death in June 2010, honoring the couples‛ support of Regina throughout their 68 years of marriage. Frank was a chair for the fund drive to build Regina High School in the ‛50s and the ‛80s campaign to build Regina Elementary. This scholarship is for a Regina student in grades K-12 with demonstrated *financial need. Preference will be given to a student from St. Patrick‛s Parish (Frank & Lucille‛s long-time parish). The recipient must be a student in good academic standing who demonstrates activity in school, parish and community-at-large.

The Jim and Gloria Butler Family Scholarship was created in 2015 to recognize how the couple valued and advocated for Catholic education during their married life. Jim and Gloria were the catalysts behind the establishment of the Regina Foundation in the mid 1970’s and continued to work tirelessly for its growth and success for many years after. In recognition of their leadership and devotion, the couple was named Regina Honorary Distinguished Alumni in 2011. This scholarship is for a Regina student in grades K-12 with demonstrated *financial need as the primary criterion. The recipient must also be able to demonstrate activity in school, parish or community activities.

The Harold & Eileen Donnelly Family Scholarship was created to pay tribute to this couple who were among the first families to send their children to Regina in 1958. Harold served on the fundraising committee in the 1950s to help build Regina. The Donnelly‘s four children are all Regina graduates, three of whom went on to become teachers in Catholic schools throughout the country. This scholarship, established by their son, Ken ‘59, honors the family‘s legacy of Catholic education and to ensure Regina families have the opportunity to choose Catholic education for their children. Students in grades K-12 will be considered for this scholarship, with demonstrated *financial need a primary criterion. Preference will be given to a student from St. Patrick‘s Parish (Harold attended beginning in 1929 and Eileen in 1934). The recipient must be a student in good academic standing who demonstrates activity in school, parish and community-at-large.

The Denny & Rose Elbert Scholarship was established in 2012, by their family, in honor of their commitment to Catholic education. Denny and Rose, both graduates of Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona and long time members of St. Patrick‛s Parish in Iowa City, are honored by this scholarship for their faith, generosity, and fortitude. Denny and Rose generously gave their time to Regina, St. Patrick‛s Parish and the community at large, and demonstrated a deep appreciation for Catholic education. This scholarship will be awarded to an individual K-12 who has demonstrated this quality by giving his or her time and skills to serve the community, school and parish.

Established by Joel and Vicki Holthaus to honor and recognize the commitment and sacrifice Regina employees personally make to provide Catholic education, this scholarship is open to all K-12 grade children of full-time Regina faculty and staff. Preference is given to applicants who have a demonstrated *financial need. Applicants must list areas within their home, church, school or community which have led them to grow in their relationship with Christ and/or which have led them to share His love with others.

The Joan Gordon Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002 by her family, honors this 1961 graduate of Regina who was killed in a car accident at the age of 21. In memory of Joan‛s kind-hearted and thoughtful ways, Joan‛s family wishes to lighten the tuition burden of a Regina student who might not otherwise have the opportunity of a Regina Catholic Education. The selection criteria is based solely on *financial need.

Each year this scholarship provides tuition assistance to a K-12 Regina student. *Financial need is a central criterion for eligibility. Applicants should also document active participation in school, parish, or community.

The family of Tresa Kron ‛83 is pleased to announce the formation of an endowed tuition scholarship in her name. Tresa was an ‛83 graduate of Regina, an ‛88 graduate of the University of Iowa, and was pursuing a Master‛s degree at the time of her death in March 1989. Tresa was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hills, Iowa. The recipient of this scholarship must be a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hills, Iowa, who values a good Catholic education. The St. Joseph‛s recipient will be chosen based on the following criteria (in the order listed): *financial need, service, GPA.

These two sisters shared a lifelong commitment to Catholic education. Stella passed away in 1999 and Marguerite continues to be a staple in our Catholic community, attending Mass daily at St. Mary‛s. This scholarship was established to assist students with their tuition. This award will go to a student from any grade at Regina. The primary qualification for the award is *financial need. Students should also include evidence of participation in school, parish, or community activities.

The Lacina family has been active in the Iowa City Catholic Community for many years.  Francis and Rita both graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in the 1950’s.  Fran’s brother’s also attended St. Patrick’s and Regina High Schools.  Many family members have continued the tradition by attending Regina Catholic Education Center including three of their grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and now the next generation of great grandchildren. The Regina Family was an integral part of Fran & Rita’s lives, they became known as “Grandpa and Grandma on the hill” during football and baseball games in the early 2000’s.  A bench at the top of the Regina Baseball Field hill sits today in Francis’ name. The Francis and Rita Lacina Family Scholarship was established by the Lacina and Matt & Elaine (Lacina) Pacha families to honor the memory of their parents, funded by memorial gifts and family contributions following the death of Rita Lacina in 2023.  This scholarship will be awarded to an individual in grades K-12 demonstrating *financial need and demonstrating participation in Regina and community activities.

An anonymous donor issued a matching scholarship challenge to the Regina Foundation Board and the Regina Board of Education. The donor pledged $20,000 for two endowed scholarships if each of the leadership boards could respectively match $10,000 in gifts from current and former board members. Both boards generously rose to the challenge and hope their personal example will inspire others to do likewise. Applicants for this scholarship must show *financial need and demonstrate how they live their Christian principles through service in their home, parish, school, or community. Through those examples of service, equal consideration can more accurately be given to all applicants based on expectations for their age. This scholarship will be awarded to a specific student to be included as part of the family‛s overall financial aid package and will also serve to defray the school’s tuition assistance costs.
*Regina Foundation Board Scholarship
*Regina Board of Education Scholarship

The George & Laurena Lehman Family Scholarship was created with memorial gifts following Laurena‛s death in 2011.  George and Laurena valued the Catholic education their nine children received at Regina.  This award was created to allow other families that same opportunity.  Applicants entering kindergarten through 12th grade should demonstrate *financial need, participation in school, church, and community; as well as be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or greater for current junior/senior high students).

Jack and Donna Muller have been continuously involved at Regina since 1987.  Jack was a Regina Board of Education member from 1990 to 1996 (two years president); Regina Foundation board member from 2000 to 2008 (two years president).  He served as co-chair and leadership donor for two Regina capital campaigns.  He was a Booster Club officer for four years and co-chaired Fall Fun Festival for three years.  Donna served as a teacher’s aid for five years, Regina Board of Education secretary for five years, prom committee chair, and Home & School volunteer for years. Their two children are Regina graduates: Nicole ‘00 and Jacob ‘05. Jack and Donna’s merit-based scholarship was established in 2023 and is awarded annually to a Regina student who excels academically, displays athletic or artistic talent, and is involved in church or community service activities. Other criteria that may be considered include having one or more siblings at Regina, being the child of a Regina faculty or staff member, and entering 7th or 9th grade and committed to continuing their education at Regina.

The Pacha family has been active in the Regina community since its inception in the 1950’s. Fr. Raymond Pacha was a driving force in the initial plans and fundraising for Regina. Fr. Ray’s brother Leonard and his wife Margaret were staunch supporters of Catholic Education and all ten of Margaret and Leonard’s children attended Catholic Schools in Iowa City with one graduating from St Patrick’s High School and nine graduating from Regina High School. The Pacha family has continued its support of Regina throughout the ensuing years by giving of their time, talent and treasure.  The Leonard and Margaret Pacha Family Scholarship was established by the Pacha family to honor the memory of their parents with memorial gifts and family contributions following the death of Margaret Pacha in 2012. This scholarship will be awarded to an individual in grades K-12 demonstrating *financial need and demonstrating participation in Regina and community activities. Preference may be given to students with multiple siblings currently enrolled at the Regina Catholic Education Center.

The Regina family has been greatly enriched because of the Francis and Katherine Sueppel family connection for the past five decades. These five scholarships were established by the Sueppel family to honor their parents and grandparents for the great financial sacrifice they made in the 1950s to help build Regina High School and their commitment to educating their children at Catholic schools. This fund will provide tuition assistance to two Regina Elementary students, one junior high student, and two senior high students each year. *Financial need is a central criterion for eligibility. Applicants should show evidence of participation in school, parish or community activities.

The Hurt Family Scholarship was created in 2022 through a generous gift received from the estate of Mary Hurt, after her death at 105 years of age. Mary was a long-time supporter of Regina. Six of her seven children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren attended Regina. The Hurt Family Scholarship is awarded annually to a Regina Elementary student (K-6 grade). Financial need is not a central criterion, but preference will be given to students whose families show a need for tuition assistance in order to attend Regina.

Mr. Dietsch developed from his schooling and his parents a great appreciation for learning, his faith, and education, especially a Catholic education. He worked diligently and realized enough success in his life that he was able to fund this scholarship, which he wanted to go to deserving Regina students. This scholarship will be awarded to two students in 4-12 grade. The criteria for selection include evidence of participation in community, school, and Church-sponsored activities. Of major concern will be the student‛s *financial need for tuition assistance.

Mr. Shimon was a long-standing and generous donor to both the Regina Foundation and to the Regina Catholic Education Center. He was also a member of St. Wenceslaus Church. When Vernal established this scholarship, the two essential criteria were that the award be used to assist a student in grades 4-12 with tuition at Regina and that the student be a member of St. Wenceslaus Parish. The criteria for selection will include evidence of participation in community, school, and St. Wenceslaus Parish activities.

Marion Byrd, a graduate of St. Patrick High School in Iowa City, established this scholarship in 2014. It will be awarded to students at the junior and senior high school level. The main criterion is *financial need. Preference will be given to members of St. Patrick Parish.

Established in 2005 by the Dreckman family to honor their deceased Regina alumni siblings, Hannah ‛59 and Daniel ‛71 (and later Michael ’68), this scholarship will be awarded to a Regina Jr./Sr. High student. The main criterion is *financial need. Applicants should show evidence of participation in school, parish or community activities.

The Board of Directors of the University of Iowa Community Credit Union endowed a Fred C. Krause Memorial Scholarship to be awarded annually to a deserving Regina Jr./Sr. High student. Fred, a former president of the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, was honored by the directors after his death in 2008, “In memory of Fred‛s thoughtful ways and belief in Catholic education, we hope to lighten the tuition burden of a Regina student who might not otherwise have the opportunity for a Catholic education.” *Financial need is a central criterion for eligibility. Applicants should also document active participation in school, parish or community.

Dr. Krause served as the University of Iowa Women‛s Basketball team physician and was a board certified pediatrician. Rita was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Iowa City. She was active in church and community activities, but her favorite role was mom and wife. This scholarship is for students entering grades 7-12 at Regina Jr./Sr. High School. Selection criteria include academic performance of a 3.0 or better GPA in both semesters of given year and demonstrated proof of *financial need.

This annual scholarship memorializing this loving Irish couple who believed strongly in Catholic education, will be given to a Regina Junior/Senior High student with demonstrated *financial need and documented participation/service to his/her parish. Preference will be given to students from St. Mary‛s or St. Patrick‛s parishes.

The St. Patrick Tuition Assistance Scholarship was established by Helene Hembreiker in September 2010. A retired nurse and long-time St. Thomas More parishioner, Helene says the scholarship fulfills “a dream I‛ve had for many years to help students receive a Catholic education.” A graduate of Ursuline Academy, a Catholic High School in Springfield, IL, she chose to name her scholarship in honor of her Irish heritage. “St. Patrick is known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, so it is only fitting to name a scholarship which brings Catholic education to our youth after this celebrated saint.” Applicants must be Regina Junior/Senior High students with proven *financial need. Preference will be given to underrepresented minority students at Regina. These students, include, but are not limited to individuals who identify with the following group(s): African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino.

The O‛Brien Scholarship was created through a very generous estate gift. Mr. O‛Brien was a long-time member of St. Mary‛s Parish. This scholarship is awarded to three current 8th-grade students in the Regina Junior High School who will be entering Regina High School. Selection criteria include evidence of participation in community, school and Church-sponsored activities. Students receiving the award must achieve a minimum grade point average of 2.67 during their first semester in the high school.

The St. Bridget of Kildare Scholarship was endowed by Helene Hembreiker in May 2013. Helene states: “I am establishing the St. Bridget of Kildare Scholarship in honor of my Irish heritage and in memory of my great grandmother, Bridget O‛Boyle, who came to America from County Mayo, Ireland in 1855 at the age of 16. Growing up during the Irish potato famine, she never had the chance to attend school. This scholarship will enable a child to receive a Catholic education, an opportunity my great grandmother never had.” Preference will be given to underrepresented minority students at Regina.  These students, include, but are not limited to individuals who identify with the following group(s): African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino. Preference will also be given to students entering their freshman year at Regina. Students who apply for this scholarship must show *financial need and a demonstrated hard work ethic towards academics.

The Ambrisco Family Scholarship was created in 2018 through a generous gift received from the estate of William J. Ambrisco.  Bill was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church and President of AW Welt Ambrisco Insurance in Iowa City. He was an active member of the community and served on the Iowa City City Council and as Mayor of Iowa City. Bill was philanthropic throughout his life and felt that giving back to the community was among the most important and valuable things an entrepreneur can do. Bill’s generous estate gift also funded the William J. Ambrisco Teacher Endowment Fund. Bill and his wife Carly raised three sons, David, Michael and Daniel, and have five grandchildren, Jennifer ‘03; Jesicah ‘06, Jason, Daniel and Toni, a great- grandson, Brady; and two great- granddaughters, Scarlett and Sophie. The scholarship is named in honor of the entire Ambrisco Family.  The Ambrisco Family Scholarship is awarded to two current Regina High School students who actively participate in community and school activities and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.

The Todd Gordon Memorial Scholarship was endowed by Sue (Seydel) Gordon ‛69 in February 2013 in remembrance of her husband, Todd, who was killed in a car accident in December 2010. The Gordon‛s three children – Erin Pottebaum ‛94, Tim Gordon ‛95 and Katy Brown ‛97 are all Regina graduates. Three of Todd and Sue‛s seven grandchildren are current Regina students. To qualify to receive the Todd Gordon Memorial Scholarship, applicants must be a high school student with GPA of 2.5 or better and show *financial need.

An anonymous donor issued a matching scholarship challenge to the Regina Foundation Board and the Regina Board of Education. The donor pledged $20,000 for two endowed scholarships if each of the leadership boards could respectively match $10,000 in gifts from current and former board members. Both boards generously rose to the challenge and hope their personal example will inspire others to do likewise. This scholarship is restricted to applicants who are high school students. The scholarship‛s primary component is *financial need with priority given to underrepresented minority students at Regina to promote racial and cultural diversity in the student body. These students, include, but are not limited to individuals who identify with the following group(s): African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino. This scholarship will be awarded to a specific student to be included as part of the family’s overall financial aid package and will also serve to defray the school’s tuition assistance costs.

*Regina Foundation Board Scholarship
*Regina Board of Education Scholarship

The Leo & Bernice Lynch Family Scholarship was created in 2020. Leo and Bernice (née Keating) graduated from St. Patrick High School, married in 1944, and were long-time members of St. Patrick Catholic Church. The couple happily raised 13 children who all attended school at St. Patrick Elementary and went on to graduate from Regina High School. Leo died in 1979 and Bernice in 2006. Their grandson, Bryce (’12), died in June 2020, leading the family to establish the Leo & Bernice Lynch Family Scholarship. The scholarship honors Leo and Bernice Lynch who lived their Catholic faith every day and paved the way for their family’s Catholic upbringing and love for Regina. It also is a memorial to Bryce and other family members who have passed away. This scholarship is awarded to a current Regina high school student who demonstrates *financial need, and actively participates in school, parish and/or community activities (family would prefer a Catholic student, but will accept a qualified student that is faith based).

The Richard and Frances Michael Family Scholarship was established in 2017 to recognize Richard (St. Patrick ’44) and Frances Michael who valued education at Regina, and like many others, worked hard to give their children an opportunity to attend Regina. Richard and Frances are the parents of Barb (’70), Pam (’73), Sue (’75) Pat, Bob (’80) and Jana (’83), and the grandparents of Lauren (’06) and Greg. This endowed scholarship will help defray the cost of Regina tuition for a family with *financial need and who has more than one child attending Regina High School.

Msgr. James F. Parizek ’64 remembered his alma mater in his estate plans with a very generous gift. He was pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Davenport, Iowa, from 2002 until his retirement in 2016. He was named a Regina Distinguished Alumnus in 2016. This scholarship was endowed in his name after his death in 2018 to assist students who choose a Regina Catholic education. It will provide tuition assistance to two high school students. Preference will be given to students who have been altar servers, have shown evidence of helping others, and show *financial need.

The Paul William Rogers Family Scholarship was established in 2010 by Paul‛s family through a gift from Hawkeye Food Systems in Paul‛s memory. It will be awarded to a Regina High School student with demonstrated *financial need. Preference will be given to a student from St. Patrick‛s Parish, the Rogers family‛s long-time parish. The recipient must be in good academic standing and, to reflect Paul‛s love of athletics, should demonstrate participation in Regina sports.

This annual scholarship, established in memory of 1967 Regina graduate, Patricia Thuerauf Spychaj, will be awarded to a Regina student who will be in grades 9-12. The recipient will demonstrate *financial need; have a GPA of 3.0 or better; show involvement in parish and/or community activities. Additionally, to honor Mrs. Spychaj‛s love of music ministry, the scholarship recipient must demonstrate membership or participation in Regina‛s chorus, show choir, band/orchestra, and/or some other form of music ministry.

The Neil Tunnicliff Memorial Scholarship was created in 2019 after Neil’s courageous yearlong battle with cancer. Neil taught English and speech at Regina High School. He graduated from Augustana College in 2011 with a BA in English and Western Illinois University in 2014 with a BA in English education. Throughout his life, Neil was known for his compassion, strength of character, and being ever-ready to give big hugs to anyone who needed one. Even during his illness, Neil maintained his positive attitude, enjoying the company of his friends, checking up on his students, and hoping for the future. Because he was passionate about theater and the arts, the Neil Tunnicliff Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a high school student who actively participates in the performing arts or speech at Regina. The scholarship, made possible by generous gifts in Neil’s memory from his wife Anna, family, friends, students and colleagues, is a testament to Neil’s legacy at Regina.

This tuition scholarship was established by the Brennan family to show their appreciation of the excellence in arts and athletics at Regina High School and of the family/community values that are embraced.  The scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school student athlete entering 10-12 grade who demonstrates *financial need, a strong commitment to faith, and excellence in arts or other extra-curricular activities.  The recipient will be determined by the majority opinion of three persons, including the president of the Regina Catholic Education Center, the high school principal, and the president of the Regina Booster Club.

The Nicole Raitt Memorial Scholarship was created in 2021 through a generous gift received from the estate of Nicole Raitt, Regina Class of 1988. It is awarded annually to a female upperclassman who has an interest in music and/or the arts. The student’s family should have average income. Nicki’s daughters, Morgan Louvar ’17 and Kira Louvar ’20, are graduates of Regina like their mother. Nicki donated a lot of her time volunteering at her alma mater before her death in November 2020 and made the decision to establish a planned gift to provide for future generations of Regals.

The Summy Family Scholarship was established in 2015 in honor of Tom and Mary Jo Summy whose five children – Elizabeth ’82, Sarah ’83, John ’84, Matthew ’88 and Joel ’90 – graduated from Regina. Tom and Mary Jo, both long-time members of St. Patrick’s Parish and proud graduates of the University of Iowa, were steadfast in their belief that community service and education are values to be embraced and demonstrated by all. This endowed scholarship was established with support from their children and seeks to celebrate their spirit and commitment to family and the Iowa City community. The Summy Scholarship is presented annually to a junior or senior who demonstrates the ability to effectively balance the demands in their life while remaining on track to attend college. Academic achievement, while valued, will be weighed in concert with other actions that demonstrate the student‛s ability to engage in their community. Such actions include, but are not limited to, leadership in school and outside activities, part-time employment, volunteer activities and active engagement in creative pursuits, such as the arts. Preference will be given to students who are members of St. Patrick’s Parish and express an interest in attending the University of Iowa.