Inquire Now

Whitehall, Mich., Student Awarded $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship at College of Saint Mary

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Naomi Huttenga of Whitehall, Mich., as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Huttenga was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000 on Thursday, April 13. Huttenga receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Naomi has a heart for people and an analytical mind that will produce great work,” said Summer Lile, a science teacher at Western Michigan Christian High School. “She is intrinsically motivated but enjoys working with a team and cheering others on to do good work. I see her using these qualities to create a fantastic working environment and perhaps someday lead a research group of her own.”

College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding young women pursuing study in STEM majors, such as biology, chemistry, human biology or math.

Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 annually for four years in gift aid. In addition to having access to substantial financial resources and facilities, participants also receive free tutoring, have opportunities for undergraduate research, and have access to top programs like the National Institute of Health and NASA research fellowships. Marie Curie Scholars also often attend and present at national conferences.

Huttenga, the daughter of Carmen and Daniel Huttenga, earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Western Michigan Christian High School. Some of Huttenga’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Participated in the OsteoScholars program
  • Four varsity letters in swimming (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
  • Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Academic Team All-State Division I (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

At CSM, Huttenga plans to major in human biology. She also plans to swim for the Flames. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, CSM uses initiatives like the Marie Curie Scholar Program to provide women from all backgrounds with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework and lifelong leadership skills. Huttenga is one of seven recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarships.