One mission of the Rosary Alumnae Association is to raise funds for the Sister Mary Joseph Scholarship, named for our founding principal. This four-year scholarship is awarded to the daughter of an alumnae with the highest entrance exam score. The scholarship has been awarded each year since 1985. Read more about Sr. Mary Joseph and see a list of past scholars here.

We wanted to take a look at a few past Sr. Mary Joseph Scholars and see what their Rosary education, and receipt of this scholarship, meant to them personally and professionally.

As you read their stories, please consider making a donation to this alumnae scholarship to continue the legacy.

 

“An all-women education played a significant role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally,” said Michelle (Witte ‘07) Whittenhall. “Attending Rosary gave me the confidence to find my voice, embrace my individuality, and take on leadership roles in a supportive environment surrounded by strong women.” Michelle is the daughter of Diann (Brendli '78) Witte.

After graduation, Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with a minor in Spanish from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame. She is also an IRS Enrolled Agent.

“Continuing that experience at an all-women’s college further reinforced those lessons, encouraging me to speak up, challenge myself, and trust my abilities without hesitation,” she said. “The confidence and self-assurance I gained in those environments have stayed with me throughout my career and life, which is why I value all-women education so deeply and appreciate the opportunities it continues to provide for future generations”

Currently, Michelle is a Senior Manager on the Credits, Incentives, and Methods team at RSM US LLP, where she specializes in R&D tax credits. “I enjoy working with clients of all sizes and helping them save money by incentivizing innovation and development work done in the United States,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, industrials, and consumer goods.”

In addition, Michelle is actively involved in her daughters’ school community, serving on the board at St. Patrick School, and she volunteers with the Irish Wolfhound association.

At Rosary, Michelle participated in Marmion cheerleading, Track & Field (hurdles), and Rosary/Marmion plays. “Some of my favorite memories are simply spending time with friends, going to sporting events and dances, and being involved in the many activities that made those years so special,” she said.

Michelle and her husband Tony, a Marmion graduate, have two daughters, ages six and nine, who are already excited to attend Rosary. Perhaps one or both of them will receive the Sr. Mary Joseph Scholarship! 

“I’m incredibly grateful to have been a recipient of this scholarship. It means so much to me that it continues on and evolves, creating opportunities for future girls to pursue their goals, explore what’s possible, and believe in themselves,” she said. “Knowing this school and scholarship will continue to open doors and inspire the next generation of strong women makes being part of it especially meaningful to me.”

Rachel (Loy ‘16) Miller

Rachel (Loy ‘16) Miller, daughter of Nadine (Rannin '88) Loy, found her love of science at Rosary.  After graduating from Lewis University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and earning her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), she now works part-time as a retail pharmacist for Walgreens.

“Being a pharmacist has been incredibly rewarding. It allows me to combine my love of science with direct patient care in a role that offers excellent work-life balance (something especially meaningful now as a mom to two young boys),” she said. “The best part of my job is the daily interactions with patients: answering their questions, helping them understand their medications, and sometimes just listening to them. I love being able to teach patients and technicians I work with more about medications. I also am continually learning as new drugs come to the market and health guidelines change. Each day at work looks a bit different and keeps me on my toes!”

Rachel credits her Rosary experience with making her the person and professional she is today. “My chemistry teacher, Miss Soni, was a true inspiration. She was very passionate in her teaching and she sparked my interest in science,” she said. “She pushed her students to do their best and challenge themselves. The foundation she gave me from her courses helped me with both my biochemistry degree and pharmacy school.”

“Rosary also played a pivotal role in deepening my faith,” she continued. “Although I was raised Catholic, it was during high school (particularly through my experiences with Kairos as both a participant and a leader) that my relationship with God truly began. The retreat gave me space for meaningful reflection, vulnerability, and connection, helping me grow in faith in ways that continue to guide my life and family today.”

Rachel says she also has Rosary to thank for her beautiful family. “I met my husband, Brian Miller (MA ‘16), at a math team competition during our sophomore year. We’ve been together ever since, married in 2023, and are now blessed with two amazing boys, Alex and Charlie.”

“Attending Rosary would not have been possible without the Sister Mary Joseph Scholarship, and I am forever grateful for that blessing,” she said. “Without Rosary’s influence — academically, spiritually, and socially — I simply wouldn’t be where I am today. I urge fellow alumnae to consider donating to this scholarship fund so that future generations of young women can experience the same transformative education and community that shaped so many of us.”

Evelyn Scheel (‘22) 

Evelyn Scheel (‘22), daughter of Gretchen (Feuerborn '93) Scheel, recently graduated from Western Kentucky University with her Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN). She will start her first Nursing job this summer in Fort Worth Texas, as a Women and Infants Float Nurse, working between Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, Antepartum, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 

“I spent the last four years developing my nursing skills, working as a tech in Labor and Delivery, competing with the WKU Equestrian Team, and continuing to grow my American Sign Language skills,” she said. “I am excited to now begin a job where I get to provide care to mothers and their babies. I feel privileged that I will get to care for families in their most vulnerable and memorable times.”

“Rosary challenged me academically, preparing me for the rigorous nature of nursing school,” she said. “Rosary also provided me with a supportive and loving environment of so many amazing women who I grew close with in high school— and though we are hundreds to thousands of miles away, they remain some of my best friends! 

At Rosary, Evelyn participated in the Rosary musical each year, and was even in the children’s ensemble when she was in eighth grade. She also started an American Sign Language Club and participated in the National Honor Society, along with various other clubs. 

“Thank you to everyone who has made this scholarship possible,” she said. “Rosary has been such a blessing to me, my mom, my sister, and even my aunts and cousins. This scholarship allowed my sister (Miranda ‘20) and I to attend Rosary at the same time, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.”

 

“Following in my mother’s footsteps had always been a dream of mine, and thanks to the Sister Mary Joseph Scholarship and the generosity of its donors, I was given the opportunity to attend Rosary,” said Clare (Rickel ‘17) Chomor, daughter of Therese (Queenan '85) Rickel.

After Rosary, Clare attended Villanova University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and minors in Spanish, Cognitive Science, and Psychology. She then began her career as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist at a medical device company, where she drafts and submits new product applications to the FDA and Health Canada.

“My time at Rosary was deeply meaningful, and I immersed myself in opportunities that shaped me both academically and personally,” Clare said. “I concentrated on science and math coursework, ran on the cross-country team, served on the Senior Retreat Team, and had the privilege of leading Kairos. 

“I remain deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity made my Rosary education possible. Their support opened doors for me and helped shape the path I have been fortunate to pursue,” she said. “I hope to honor their investment by carrying forward the values Rosary instilled in me and, in turn, help create opportunities for future generations of students.”

Thank you to these alumnae for sharing their stories, and thank you for considering a gift to the Sister Mary Joseph Scholarship. To make a donation, visit www.rosaryhs.com/donate and choose Sr. Mary Joseph Scholarship in the drop-down menu.