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The Bright Foundation Announces 2017 Scholarship Recipients

The Bright Foundation is pleased to announce the 2017 recipients of its two scholarships, Bright Scholars of Iowa and the Lois Dale Scholarship.

Both of these are need- and merit-based grants that honor outstanding high school seniors, ensuring they have the financial means to complete a two- or four-year college education without accumulating debt. The Lois Dale Scholarship is available to students graduating from East High School in Des Moines, while Bright Scholars of Iowa is open to students across the state.

The 2017 Bright Scholars of Iowa recipients include:

Diana Berggren – Southwestern Community College
Alek Boeding – University of Northern Iowa
Joshua Brown – Indian Hills Community College
Alyssa Clayton – Iowa State University
Jinni Dingel – Iowa State University
Lauryn Drewelow – University of Northern Iowa
Elizabeth Folkers – University of Iowa
Kaylee Ford – Indian Hills Community College
Autumn Gannon – Iowa State University
Ella Gogan – Indian Hills Community College
Owen Hensley – Southwestern Community College
Bobbie Hilmer – University of Northern Iowa
Hailey Huggins – University of Northern Iowa
Alexandra Humston – University of Iowa
Brandon Lipkowitz – Iowa State University
Luz Martinez – University of Iowa
Andrea Milstead – University of Iowa
Aubree Powders – Indian Hills Community College
Alexis Soukup – University of Iowa
Amos Stovall – Indian Hills Community College
Dalton Tonne – University of Northern Iowa
Paige Vogel – Iowa State University

The 2017 Lois Dale Scholarship recipients include:

Robbi Boggess – University of Iowa
Brandy Cam – University of Iowa
Mailyn Huynh – Iowa State University
Hardik Kalra – University of Iowa
Mason Lawrence – Iowa State University
Thai Pham – Iowa State University
Tyren Teav – Iowa State University
Crystal Velazquez – University of Iowa
Tiana Warner – University of Iowa

The Bright Foundation was founded by H. Dale and Lois Bright in 1957. Since then, it has quietly contributed millions of dollars to Iowa organizations, charities and educational institutions.

“I cannot even begin to properly thank or even put into words how much this foundation has helped put me on an amazing path to reach and accomplish my dreams. Ever since I was seven years old, I have wanted to become a doctor. I wanted to be able to help people, to make sick people better, to be a healer, and to learn and grow to the fullest of my abilities. Because of the Bright scholarship, these dreams and goals are closer within reach. I am achieving success in ways I never thought were possible. My dreams may have been to help others and learn as much as I possibly can, but this foundation has helped me and given me the chance to do the things I love, to push myself, learn, and experience the joy of hard work and success. This scholarship inspired me to help others as well. Currently, I am pursuing a research opportunity with Dr. Mario Ascoli, Carver College of Medicine, to help with work on finding cures for infertility. I am also in the beginning stages of recruitment for alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority! A lot of things have been going on for me, but none of this would be possible without the Bright Foundation. This foundation gave me the blessing of not having to be stressed, financial security, the ability to reach my goals, but most importantly, faith in myself to do what I love best, so again, thank you.”

“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.”

“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 would like to thank you for your contribution. Without your help, it would be difficult to attend college and pursue my dream career of being a veterinarian. I am extremely honored and hope to give back to foundations like this one day.”

“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.”

“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.”