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University of Iowa Honors 2019 Bright Scholars of Iowa

University of Iowa Honors 2019 Bright Scholars of Iowa

On October 10, 2019, the University of Iowa hosted a reception at the Memorial Union to honor its Bright Scholars. In addition to celebrating all current scholars and several soon-to-be graduates, the newest cohort of scholars was recognized, including:

Johanna Castillo Aguirre – Neuroscience
Brianna Davisson – Biology
Emily Jensen – Open Major
Clarissa Maldonado — Nursing
Emilie Vaske – Psychology

Duff Ridgeway, with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, spoke at the event, along with Dr. Brent Gage, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, Office of the Provost at the University of Iowa. Meredith Dohmen, Director of Scholarships for the Bright Foundation, attended the event and presented the new scholars with Bright Scholars of Iowa medallions and Bright Story books.

“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!”

“I would like to take this time to thank you for your contribution towards the scholarship I have been granted through Indian Hills Community College. I will be attending Indian Hills with a major in psychology. I then plan to transfer to a four-year college and potentially graduate school after that to continue my education. Thank you again for your contribution and the endless possibilities you have given me!”

“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!”

“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.”