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Estate gift creates chemistry scholarship

Photo of Denis Cipurko.

Denis Cipurko (Class of 2019) • Hometown: Long Grove, IL

The education that the late Robert R. Otremba (BS ‘49, MS ‘63) received at Loyola had a profound impact on his life. After earning two degrees in chemistry, he dedicated his career to making advancements in the field of environmental chemistry and later teaching at the college level. In gratitude, he supported Loyola through his estate plan and named the Department of Chemistry the sole remainder beneficiary of his estate. His $2.5 million estate gift to Loyola funds several scholarships, including the Robert R. Otremba Scholarship. One recipient this year is Denis Cipurko, a freshman majoring in biochemistry.

Q. What does the Robert R. Otremba Chemistry Scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship provided by Mr. Otremba’s generous estate gift is a tremendous help. My family does not have the means to pay for my college education without taking out significant loans. With this scholarship, achieving financial stability is more feasible for us, and there’s far less uncertainty about my ability to finish my education here at Loyola.

Q: What experiences have helped shape you thus far?

I am involved in the New Life Volunteering Society, where I tutor underprivileged inner-city kids. It is extremely rewarding to pass on the information and experiences that I have to young people who have not had the chance to learn and experience the same things yet. At the American Medical Student Association, I am honored to serve as the assistant director of the community outreach committee. During breaks, I also volunteer at area hospitals. And I have experience as a martial arts head instructor.

Q: What are your future ambitions?

I am a freshman majoring in biochemistry and potentially molecular biology with a pre-health track. My ambition at Loyola is to be an exceptional biochemistry scholar and become deeply involved with bacterial physiology research. Research in particular would not have been a feasible option for me without the support of this scholarship. Beyond Loyola, I hope to get accepted into medical school and become a practicing physician and a research oncologist.

 

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