Diocesan Youth Ministry

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Located in Washington, D.C., the Catholic University of America (CUA) offers students challenging and rewarding educational experiences, as well as opportunities to grow spiritually. In 2004 a private donor established the Diocese of Rapid City scholarship program to provide funding for Catholic students from the diocese who are interested in pursuing undergraduate degrees at CUA.

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Philip Birgenheir

Catholic University Scholarship
Winner Announced

Philip Birgenheir was awarded the 2006 Catholic University of America (CUA) scholarship for the Diocese of Rapid City. The full four-year scholarship is funded by an anonymous donor. Birgenheir, who graduated from Central High School in Rapid City, traveled to Washington D.C. for the national Science Bowl and also competed in the national debate tournament in Philadelphia, Pa.

He served as the president of the German Club and was a member of the 2005-2006 Knowledge Bowl team. He was a member of St. Therese the Little Flower Church, Rapid City. For three years he and Deacon Mike Curtin of St. Therese volunteered to cook meals for residents of the local homeless shelter. He also served as a member of the confirmation team. Birgenheir was looking forward to attending CUA and living in the big city.

“I’m excited to be going to the center of political action in the U.S., and I hope to get involved by doing community service in the inner city.” While attending CUA he will be majoring in political science and microbiology.

His parents are Michael and Linda Birgenheir, who are members of St. Therese Church.