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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

“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.”

“During college, the Bright Scholarship allowed me to focus on school instead of working multiple jobs to stay afloat. In my three years since college, the same has been true – instead of being forced to worry about accepting any job just to pay my student loans, I’ve been able to chase (and land) my dream job!”

“I am and always will be eternally grateful for what you have done for me and what you’ve done for others. It’s truly amazing how two special people, Lois and Dale Bright, could be so generous in helping others out. I truly aspire to be like them, giving out of generosity and expecting nothing in return. As college rolls on, I get more and more excited to become a teacher of mathematics, not just to teach young adults math, but also to challenge and aspire them to be better people. Without your help though, I am not sure any of that would be possible. For that, I am truly thankful. For now though, I will continue on in college, doing the best I possibly can do and doing my best to represent the Bright Foundation well. Thank you for all you do again, and God Bless.”

“I’m a student at DMACC and this award is extremely helpful and appreciated. All this past semester, I’ve been working and going to school while barely making it by. This award will give me the chance to focus on school more. I am so honored to receive it and I am so thankful there are people like you to help college students, like myself, out. I plan on finishing up school and becoming an elementary teacher. The scholarship will help me get one step closer to that goal!”

“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!”

“With each passing semester I become even more thankful for this scholarship. My college experience has been phenomenal and this scholarship deserves all the credit. You have allowed to me the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy receiving my education at the University of Iowa. I am thankful to be a Bright Scholar of Iowa. Thank you so much for the college experience you have let me have through this scholarship.”