Cedar Falls Community Foundation Awards $25,000 in Scholarships
July 31, 2018
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has announced that five $5,000 scholarships have been awarded from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment for study abroad during Fall 2018 semester.
The Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment was established by emeritus UNI Education Media Specialist Robert Eller to foster the educational, professional, and personal growth of undergraduate students at the University of Northern Iowa by providing funds to support study outside the United States for students whose previous travel and study experiences abroad have been limited. Applications are accepted by the Study Abroad Center and reviewed by a committee of University of Northern Iowa Emeritus Association members and Cedar Falls Community Foundation staff.
Applications for the scholarship are accepted through the University of Northern Iowa Study Abroad Office. Eight applications for study abroad scholarships for Fall 2018 were received. Selected applicants were interviewed by the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship Committee: David Duncan (chair), Ronald Bro, Ed Amend, Joan Duea, and Diane Curtis. Five students were chosen, each to receive a $5,000 scholarship from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.
Recipients of the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship are:
Shelby Zomermaand is a sophomore Global Marketing major from Inwood, Iowa, who will study abroad at the University College of Cork, Ireland. She is a self-described “people person” who is looking forward to broadening her world view. Shelby is planning a career focused on international business, and believes study abroad will provide her the opportunity to build her network of global connections. She also sees study abroad as an opportunity diversify her education and learn to adapt to unfamiliar experiences.
Cassandra Wray is a sophomore TESOL/Spanish Education major from Ames Iowa, who will study at Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica. Casie is passionate about becoming a skilled Spanish speaker so she can be of assistance to her students. Casie believes study abroad will enhance her language skills, her professional network, and will help her grow personally in her understanding of world cultures.
Hannah Coates is a junior Spanish major, TESOL & Translation minor, from Parkersburg, Iowa. She will study at the University of Oviedo, in Spain. Hannah believes that study abroad will enable her to become highly competent in her language skills. Hannah plans to apply to become a member of the United States Peace Corps following her Spring 2019 graduation, and then hopes to move to a Spanish-speaking country to teach English.
Alexander Mitchell is a junior Exercise Science major from Dallas, Iowa. He will study at the University of Tasmania, in Australia. Alex is interested in expanding his world view with new and diverse information, and having experiences that will set him apart in the job market. A licensed pilot, Alex believes that the unique experience of study abroad at the University of Tasmania will assist him understanding different cultures and seeing the world through a different lens.
Adam Chelleen is a junior Spanish/Creative Writing major from Cedar Falls who will study at Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica. He is interesting in journaling his experience for later use in writing projects, and in working with diverse students with greater skill upon his return. Adam feels study abroad will help him feel a diminished sense of boundaries and create a sense of a global family.
Cynthia Sweet, Executive Director of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, noted, “During our conversations with students they frequently express a desire to learn more about other cultures and to gain a broader world view. This is consistent with Mr. Eller’s goals in establishing the Eller Study Abroad Scholarship. He wanted to give Iowa students the opportunity to travel and study abroad for all the benefits that brings to personal growth and independence. The Foundation is honored to help fulfill Mr. Eller’s legacy and assist these students with a study abroad experience. Upon their return, the students will present to the UNI Emeritus Association about their study abroad experience.”
Applications for the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship are available by contacting the Study Abroad office at the University of Northern Iowa.
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is a nationally accredited community foundation. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation accepts and manages estate gifts and donations to fulfill donor wishes, assisting donors to achieve their charitable legacy. The mission of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is to inspire and connect individuals, families and organizations to enhance our community, support non-profits, elevate educational opportunities, and build legacies through philanthropy. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation strives to be a champion of local philanthropy and a trusted, empowering partner to donors who are passionate about enriching the community of Cedar Falls. For more information about the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, please visit www.cf-communityfoundation.org or contact 319.243.9170 or cfcf@cfu.net.
