May 19, 2010
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -
Senior freestyle and breaststroke specialist Patricia Osmolak (Harmony, Ill.) will specialize in two entirely different fields this fall. Osmolak, who graduated from Providence with a degree in biochemistry last weekend, has been accepted to the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine and Chicago’s School of Law. Osmolak plans to partake in both graduate programs to attain both her M.D. and J.D.
In addition to her acceptance, Osmolak received the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship for Outstanding Promise in Medicine. The scholarship is worth $150,000 and is awarded upon matriculation to the Pritzker School of Medicine.
Osmolak is one of just 88 students to be accepted to the Pritzker School of Medicine this year. Students accepted into the M.D./J.D. program usually spend two years in medical school before participating in the full dual program. It typically takes seven years to complete the entire program.
“Initially, I was thrilled just on the basis of my acceptance to Pritzker,” she said. “But, as time has passed, I came to realize just how important this scholarship is to me.”
When Head Swimming Coach John O’Neill first learned of her acceptance he said, “I was very excited for her. To be able to go back to her hometown for grad school was great for her and her family.”
Osmolak, who grew up an hour northwest of Chicago along interstate 90 in a small town called Harmony, credits much of her personal development to the strong academics and the swim team at Providence College.
“We share the same stories, laugh at the same jokes, have many of the same interests, and really enjoy each other’s company,” she said. “Between my coaches and my teammates, I have been fortunate to be part of such an outstanding group.”
“Gratitude is the overwhelming emotion I feel when I reflect on my experience at PC,” she added. “And to the Friars, for the spiritual guidance I would not have received anywhere but here, thank you all!”
The swimmer has backed-up her gratitude for the College by becoming one of 173 graduating seniors to make a monetary donation to the school.
Osmolak’s success did not end in the classroom; in fact, she made Class “A” qualifying times during the 2007-08 season to compete in the 200 freestyle relay at the BIG EAST Championships. Following that season, Coach O’Neill, his assistants and the women’s swimming team voted Osmolak the Most Improved Female Athlete. The award honors the student-athlete who has improved the most in her specialty event.
O’Neill said, “Her work ethic was outstanding and she earned the respect of both her peers and our staff with her approach.”
Athletics Director Robert Driscoll describes Osmolak as an exemplary student-athlete who deserves much praise for her academic and athletic achievements and for her commitment to the core values of the athletic department.
A member of the Honors Program, Osmolak graduated summa cum laude on Sunday—the highest academic honor one can receive.
