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University of Northern Iowa Honors Bright Scholars

On September 21, 2016, The University of Northern Iowa recognized its Bright Scholars at a luncheon held in the Great Reading Room of Seerly Hall.

The Bright Foundation presented new scholars with a medallion and Bright Story book.

The scholars honored at the event included:

2016

Rasmira Bajramovic – Biology
Alexandria Bibbs – Psychology
Amanda Dedrick – Psychology
Kourtney Ende-Braun – Social Work
Tanner Moran – Social Science Teaching
Sean Riley – History/Business
Ela Rizvanovic – Psychology
Cole Schreiber – Chemistry
Trevor Wangsness – Accounting
Kade Williams – Management

2015

Leziga Barikor – Communication
Deon Cleveland – Accounting
Jessica Ewart – Early Childhood Education
Thao Luong – MIS
Toby Mason – Computer Science
Dalena Nguyen – Accounting/MIS
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
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
Jim Wohlpart – Interim UNI President
Natasha Peterson – 2015 Bright Scholar Recipient
Meredith Dohmen – Director of Scholarships, Bright Foundation

“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 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 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.”

“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!”

“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!”