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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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“I want to personally thank the Bright Foundation for this year. I would not be nearly as successful without their financial support. I come from an incredibly humble background and the financial stability they have given me in the form of this scholarship has allowed me to commit my highest potential to my classwork. They are the reason I am the student I am today. I have tried to carry the Bright Foundation’s values close to my heart this academic year. I worked extremely hard and devoted much of my outside time to volunteer work. I cannot put into works how grateful I am for the opportunities this foundation has given me. They have laid the groundwork for all of my current and future success. I plan to celebrate these values, and this foundation for the rest of my life.”

“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.”

“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!”