Notre Dame grad Achtau honored with CUA service scholarship
June 16, 2025 at 4:26 p.m.
CUA scholarship winner Elizabeth Achtau stands with, form left, NDHS service religion teacher, Dr. Ellie Ingbritsen, principal Michelle Martinez and president Ken Jennings. During her four years in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, Elizabeth Achtau was involved in service efforts as much as possible. She participated in events ranging from water testing with the school’s Environmental Club to washing dishes for Meals on Wheels. She was also active in The Peer Leadership Club, participated in the Service Religion class, which was an honors class emphasizing on practicing the Catholic faith through service beyond the classroom. Even in her parish, St. Ann, Lawrenceville, she was an altar server.
It was Achtau’s commitment and determination to be of service that led this newly minted high school graduate to receive the Most Rev. David M. O’Connell Scholarship by The Catholic University of America, Washington.
“My biggest motivator ... is the chance to make people feel seen, supported and valued,” Achtau said. “I know how much a small act of kindness or encouragement can mean, especially when someone is struggling or just needs to feel like they belong ... My faith strengthens this motivation, reminding me that serving others is a way to show God’s love each day.”
Established in 2010, CUA awards the scholarship each year to an entering freshman student from the Diocese of Trenton who embodies Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.’s dedication to service. The scholarship honors Bishop O’Connell who served as the university’s president for 12 years before he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. During his tenure as president, then-Father O’Connell emphasized commitment to service, a reflection of his episcopal motto – Ministrare non ministrari – “to serve and not to be served.”
The four-year, full-tuition scholarship is awarded to a student with a demonstrated record of service and a commitment to service while at CUA.
“It’s a privilege to receive a scholarship named in recognition of Bishop O’Connell’s service,” Achtau said. “I consider myself to be extremely blessed to attend both a high school and college that offers endless opportunities to live out my faith.”
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CUA scholarship winner Elizabeth Achtau stands with, form left, NDHS service religion teacher, Dr. Ellie Ingbritsen, principal Michelle Martinez and president Ken Jennings. During her four years in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, Elizabeth Achtau was involved in service efforts as much as possible. She participated in events ranging from water testing with the school’s Environmental Club to washing dishes for Meals on Wheels. She was also active in The Peer Leadership Club, participated in the Service Religion class, which was an honors class emphasizing on practicing the Catholic faith through service beyond the classroom. Even in her parish, St. Ann, Lawrenceville, she was an altar server.
It was Achtau’s commitment and determination to be of service that led this newly minted high school graduate to receive the Most Rev. David M. O’Connell Scholarship by The Catholic University of America, Washington.
“My biggest motivator ... is the chance to make people feel seen, supported and valued,” Achtau said. “I know how much a small act of kindness or encouragement can mean, especially when someone is struggling or just needs to feel like they belong ... My faith strengthens this motivation, reminding me that serving others is a way to show God’s love each day.”
Established in 2010, CUA awards the scholarship each year to an entering freshman student from the Diocese of Trenton who embodies Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.’s dedication to service. The scholarship honors Bishop O’Connell who served as the university’s president for 12 years before he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. During his tenure as president, then-Father O’Connell emphasized commitment to service, a reflection of his episcopal motto – Ministrare non ministrari – “to serve and not to be served.”
The four-year, full-tuition scholarship is awarded to a student with a demonstrated record of service and a commitment to service while at CUA.
“It’s a privilege to receive a scholarship named in recognition of Bishop O’Connell’s service,” Achtau said. “I consider myself to be extremely blessed to attend both a high school and college that offers endless opportunities to live out my faith.”