I knew Colleen as a fellow education student at Assumption College before we lived together our senior year. In those 2 semesters we shared a lot of great memories along with the other young women we lived with, many that I look back on fondly now. Not only was she a wonderful friend, who was hopeful in the darkest of situations and never had a bad word to say of anybody. She was a truly optimistic individual and earnest in all her endeavors both as a friend and a teacher. We student taught together during our spring semester that same year and she brought a positive attitude to her students and colleagues every day in teaching them math via more approachable and fun activities, an approach I'm sure she continued in her position at Danvers as well. She is missed greatly every day by myself, her close friends, and of course her family. In honor of the work she did as as teacher and the positive attitude she brought too each and every day, Assumption College is establishing an endowed scholarship in her name. The scholarship will be awarded annually at the honors convocation to an excellent junior or senior math major with a concentration in secondary education. In order for the award to continue annually forever, the College needs to raise $25,000. Please consider donating, in any amount small or large, to the address or website listed in the letter below.

 -Natalie Geeza

24 year old parishioner and teacher in CT

To Whom it May Concern,
 
Two weeks ago we lost our dear classmate, roommate and friend ... Colleen Ritzer.  We are all saddened by Colleen's sudden and tragic death, and will forever miss her smile, enthusiasm and friendship.
 
Knowing how important Assumption College was to Colleen, we spoke with some of the College's administrators about memorializing her on campus. We decided to create an endowed scholarship that recognizes two of Colleen's lifelong passions - teaching and math.  Through these two passions, Colleen made a tremendous impact.   
 
The Colleen Ritzer '11 Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an Assumption junior or senior math major who plans to teach at the high school level after graduation.  As an endowed scholarship, it will be awarded annually forever, making it a permanent memorial to Colleen.   
 
In addition, a tree will be planted on campus and dedicated following a memorial service for Colleen at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in the spring.
 
We need to raise $25,000 to fund these tributes.  While alumni from other classes, parents and Assumption faculty and staff will be given the opportunity to contribute, we would like to take the lead in establishing these tributes to Colleen.
 
Please consider joining us by making a gift to keep Colleen's memory alive at Assumption.  You can make your gift online here.  You can also mail a check to:
 
Colleen Ritzer '11 Memorial Scholarship

Institutional Advancement
Assumption College
500 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA 01609
 
Gifts of any amount are welcome.       
 
Her Assumption education allowed Colleen to pursue her passion for teaching.  This scholarship will allow more students to pursue their passions - a fitting tribute to Colleen.      
 
Sincerely,
 
Carleigh Baldwin       Sarah Garrity
Natalie Geeza             Danielle Lamoureux
Shannon Reilly           Jennifer Roberge
Caroline Rufo             Mike Swanson

Click:  Colleen Ritzer Memorial Letter to download a copy electronically