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UNI Recognizes Bright Scholars of Iowa

UNI Recognizes Bright Scholars of Iowa

On September 27, 2018, the University of Northern Iowa held its annual event to honor Bright Scholars as a dinner reception in the Slife Ballroom/Commons.

On September 27, 2018, the University of Northern Iowa held its annual event to honor Bright Scholars as a dinner reception in the Slife Ballroom/Commons. The Bright Foundation presented the new scholars with a Bright Scholars of Iowa medallion and Bright Story books. The scholars recognized at the event included:

2018

Elvedina Arapovic
Kayla Carter
Brook Hjelmeland
Zander Ketchum
Taylor Towne

2017

Alek Boeding
Bobbie Hilmer
Hailey Huggins
Dalton Tonne

2016

Rasmira Bajramovic
Alexandria Bibbs
Amanda Dedrick
Kayla Edwards
Kourtney Ende-Braun
Tanner Moran
Natalie Neuzil
Sean Riley
Ela Rizvanovic
Cole Schreiber
Trevor Wangsness
Kade Williams

2015

Leziga Barikor
Deon Cleveland
Jessica Ewart
Thao Luong
Toby Mason
Dalena Nguyen
Natasha Peterson
Holly Von Ehwegen
Hunter Washburn
Athena-Sade Whiteside

The event included remarks by:

Tim Bakula – Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships
Mark Noon – UNI President
Trevor Wangsness – 2016 Bright Scholar Recipient
Thomas Press – President and Managing Director, Bright Foundation
Meredith Dohmen – Director of Scholarships, Bright Foundation

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”