John A. Rycenga Memorial Scholarship
About the Endowed Scholarship
The John A. Rycenga Memorial Endowed Scholarship is named in memory of John Rycenga, Sacred Heart University's first chairman of the English department. This award is given to an English major entering his/her senior year.
Student Recipient
Sofia Iacono '20
Hometown: Trumbull, CT
Major: English; Minor in Speech-Language Pathology
"I have been given opportunities to better myself and the world around me, such as going on mission trips and volunteering. As an English major and Speech-Language Pathology minor, I plan on using this unique combination to help children improve both their communication and literacy skills. I enjoyed being a part of the College of Health Profession’s annual service trip to Guatemala. There I was able to help children with hearing and communication disorders. I am also a part of the Italian Club; I served as Vice President 2017-18 and as President 2018-2019. It is a wonderful club that embraces the culture and traditions of Italian heritage. To the donor of this scholarship, I admire your recognition of students who strive to make a difference in the world. Thank you for recognizing my efforts to do so."
Past Recipients
Hector Gutierrez '19
Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico
Major: English & Global Studies
"Sacred Heart University has fostered an environment which has allowed me to learn and evolve as I continue to pursue my passions. I am in the process of applying to graduate school in writing; eventually, I would like to write for a living, but as an active person, I will pursue teaching in higher education. Being an English major has provided me with the tools that I need in order to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply different perspectives to a single idea or topic. I enjoy being a member of the D1 Men's Golf Team, which has given me lifelong friends and opportunities. I'm also involved in Residential Life as an RSA. This position gave me the opportunity to travel abroad to Luxembourg and work as a Resident Coordinator. I am also the Vice President of La Hispanidad, the latino club on campus. I'm immensely thankful for this scholarship. It does not escape me for one moment that the success of our school lies in the people who continuously and generously support our efforts to grow. I am honored to receive this scholarship from the Rycenga family. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity."
Donate
To make a donation to the John A. Rycenga Memorial Endowed Scholarship, make check payable to Sacred Heart University and mail to:
Sacred Heart University
University Advancement
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825