Students at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) who received scholarships this year had an opportunity to show their gratitude during the 16^th annual NIACC Foundation Scholarship Recognition Luncheon held at the Muse Norris Conference Center on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

“This is an important tradition that allows scholarship recipients the opportunity to personally thank the donors who make scholarships possible,” said Dr. Steve Schulz, NIACC President. “Each student has a unique story to tell and this year’s student speakers shared their own amazing stories.”  It was noted that 690 students received scholarships from NIACC and the NIACC Foundation totaling over $1.5 million.

The recognition program featured comments from Garner businessman and Stellar Industries, President, Dave Zrostlik. Zrostlik was joined by his mother, Barbara Zrostlik Beyer. The Zrostlik Beyer family endowed the Francis L. Zrostlik Memorial Manufacturing Technology Scholarship in 2015. Francis Zrostlik.founded Iowa Mold Tooling Company in 1961 and co-founded Stellar Industries, Inc., in 1990.

“The scholarship is designed to be awarded to high school graduates from our area that go into the Tool & Die or Welding programs at NIACC,” said Zrostlik. “Today, just as then, these are critical skills that area industries like Stellar Industries need to succeed. Our family wants to encourage others to develop their skills in these mechanical art areas so that they too can feel the passion for their work wherever their career may take them.”

Several student scholarship recipients also spoke at NIACC’s scholarship recognition luncheon.

Trevor Brinkman from Bristow, a first-year NIACC student studying Agricultural Operations Management, shared growing up on the farm made him want to pursue a career in Agriculture. Brinkman stated, “I chose NIACC after I came here for a college visit and upon meeting NIACC faculty I knew this was the right place for me.” He continued, “I also received scholarships which really made a difference. Scholarships boost a student’s self-esteem and it’s so good to know people are willing to invest their money in our education.”

Ryann Hagen of Britt, a second-year student, stated that receiving scholarships made it more affordable to live on campus. Hagen said, “Because I only live forty-five minutes away, I could have lived at home and drove to class, but the awards I received made living on campus an easier and much more affordable option. I know that if I had not chosen to live on campus, my whole college experience would have been completely different, and I’m so glad I made that decision.”

Margaux Hovda of Garner, an adult student who is a Music major, expressed her gratitude to the donors for their generosity. Hovda stated, “I am so thankful for the scholarship and opportunity to study at this wonderful institution. The generous donations from each of you allow us to pursue our passions and share our gifts with others to help make this world a better place.”

Denice Kapp is an adult student from Hampton majoring in Sociology. Kapp shared with the group why leaving a legacy is important. She reflected on the history of donors who provided her scholarships, Shirley Sandage, Dr. Glen Krogh and his wife Penny Krogh who left their legacy gifts through NIACC scholarships. Kapp knows she is now part of her donor’s legacies. Kapp stated, “For those of you here today who’ve received a scholarship, I have one more question. How will you impact future NIACC students? Don’t be just a name on a family tree, be remembered.”

As the cost of higher education continues to increase, so does the need for student financial assistance in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships.  Scholarship donations help students keep their borrowing to a minimum.  While the College experiences great support from groups and individuals each year, the need remains for private support of the NIACC Foundation.

For more information on how to help the College support deserving students, please contact the NIACC Foundation at 641-422-4386.

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