Congratulations to our first graduating class of the Susan Poorman Blackie College Scholarship – The Class of 2015! These students were awarded a $20,000 scholarship over the past 4 years from the Houston Marathon Foundation to aid in their academic endeavors. We chatted with them recently to find out what their next big journey will be.

 

Laine Zizka graduated Summa Cum Laude on May 11th, 2019 from Texas Christian University with a B.S. in Communications Studies and a B.A. in Anthropology. She also completed a minor in Political Science and graduated with University Honors from the John V. Roach Honors College. During her time at TCU, Laine served as a representative, Director of Communications, and Chief of Staff in TCU’s Student Government Association and helped charter a chapter of Phi Mu Fraternity. Prior to graduation, she was awarded the Senior Scholar award in the Anthropology department for her impressive career in her studies. After graduation, Laine is continuing her studies on a full scholarship at TCU, getting her Masters in Communication Studies and teaching basic speech courses.

 

 

 

Chris Winski graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word with a B.S. in Biology. During his time at UIW, Chris competed in NCAA Division I Cross County and Track & Field and was selected for Dean’s List, Academic All-Southland Conference Team, Keynote Speaker for UIW Research Week and interned with MD Anderson UT Health in Houston. After graduation, Chris will be continuing his studies at the University of Notre Dame in pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with the ultimate goal of becoming a researcher for the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).