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New Bright Scholars Recognized at UNI

New Bright Scholars Recognized at UNI

On September 23, 2015, The University of Northern Iowa honored 2013, 2014 and 2015 Bright Scholars at a reception held at The Center for Multicultural Education. The scholars honored at the event included:

2015

Leziga Barikor – Communication
Deon Cleveland – Accounting
Thao Luong – MIS
Toby Mason – Computer Science
Dalena Nguyen – Accounting/MIS
Sydnee Nobis – Elementary Education
Natasha Peterson – Psychology
Charles Terry – Pre-Business
Athena Walton – Music
Hunter Washburn – Finance/Economics

2014

Anthony Beyerink – Finance/Economics

Dana Counsell – English Teaching
Emily Glawe – Movement and Exercise Science
Jacqueline Henry – Elementary Education
Dianna Huisman – Biology
Omar Martinez – Pre-Professional Nursing
Bobbi McGinnis – Finance
Coved Oswald – Computer Science
Shelby Yates – Leisure, Youth and Human Services
Zachary Youmans — Mathematics

2013

Amy Nordyke – Psychology
Zachary Rye – Biology
Jesse Sorenson – Economics
Bailey St. Clair – Global Studies
Ann Strom – Elementary Education

The event included remarks by:

Elizabeth Minard – Assistant Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Bill Ruud – UNI President
Zach Rye – 2014 Bright Scholar Recipient
Dan Kelly – Bright Foundation President
Nicole Lehman – Counselor, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Sydnee Nobis – 2015 Bright Scholar Recipient
Joyce Morrow – Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships

“This is a great community of scholarship recipients to be part of. The scholarship has improved my life in so many ways – not only by allowing me to graduate debt-free in just eight semesters, but also by providing a support system and a network of other Bright Scholars.”

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has opened up for me. Many doors closed right in front of me, and the Bright Foundation opened up a door of hope for my future. I sometimes think I am dreaming and soon realize this is really happening. I am the first one in my family to attend a University. I can not put into words how much of a blessing this has been not only for me but for my family! I will forever be thankful.”

“Being a Bright Scholar means being part of a family that is selfless and giving, and which strives to provide a better future for today’s youth who, in turn, will contribute to society.”

“As I finish my sophomore year, I am grateful that I have received the Bright Scholarship to help me achieve my goals. My grades have been good and I am proud that I’ve been making Dean’s List. I attended the Engineering job fair to target companies for a summer internship. After being offered two, I chose Nutra Flo, a liquid fertilizer manufacturer in South Dakota. I’m excited to see what I will learn and how much I know out in the real world of Mechanical Engineering. Thank you again for awarding me the Bright Scholarship. Thanks to the Bright Foundation, I have been able to attend ISU without the burden of deep financial indebtedness. It has allowed me to experience ISU but most importantly, I have been able to study in order to do well in my classes. It is because of the Brights — they had a vision to help young people in Iowa achieve higher education. I am excited to be a part of that vision.”

“My first year in college has been amazing. I was able to get involved with intramural sports, Iowa Wishmakers and Dance Marathon because you took the financial burden off my back and allowed for me to get the most out of my college experience. I’ve been able to focus on school and not worry about working which has allowed me to get the most out of my education. I was also able to fulfill one of my dreams before going to college; I was able to pay for a child’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World with my graduation money because of your generosity and covering the expenses of my education. This first year has been great and I cannot wait for the next three years. Thank you Bright Scholars of Iowa!”

“The most valuable part of being a Bright Scholar was experiencing college from a different perspective. I am so grateful for every opportunity and position I was able to hold because I had nothing to worry about and could truly enjoy every moment. Having the freedom to get involved allowed me to further my professional development and give back to the college and community, things I would not have been able to do if I didn’t have the scholarship.”