Cedar Falls Community Foundation Awards $27,500 in Scholarships
January 3, 2019
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded seven scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students with study abroad during the Spring 2019 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 had been limited. Applications are accepted through the UNI Study Abroad Center and reviewed by a committee of University of Northern Iowa Emeritus Association members: David Duncan (chair), Ronald Bro, Ed Amend, Joan Duea, and Diane Curtis, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation executive director Cynthia Sweet. Seven students were chosen to receive scholarships for Spring 2019 from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.
Cynthia Sweet, Executive Director of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, said, “Each semester the committee is presented with outstanding scholarship candidates. We are consistently impressed with quality of UNI students, not only in their classroom work, but their community engagement and passion for their chosen fields.”
Casie LeRette, a political science major from Council Bluffs, Iowa, will be studying at the American College of Greece, in Athens. She is passionate about education and global human rights. Casie seeks a new cultural experience and deeper understanding of different governmental systems.
Alyssa Lawler, an accounting major from Granger, Iowa, will be studying at the University College Cork, in Cork, Ireland. She intends to gain a better understanding of international finance and the European Union.
Jay C. Lange, a real estate major from Paullina, Iowa, will study at the American College of Greece, in Athens. He is interested in exploring a new culture and confronting situations outside his comfort zone.
Sara Hoy, a leisure, youth and human services major from Cedar Falls, Iowa, will study at the University of Oviedo, Spain. Sara has a passion for integration and inclusion, and is seeking a language intensive program to assist her in becoming more fluent in Spanish.
Nikki DePenning, a TESOL major from Roland, Iowa, will study at the University of Stirling, Scotland, where she hopes to gain an understanding of the Scottish culture. Nicole plans to follow this experience with study abroad in Korea or China, and anticipates teaching abroad after graduation.
Rachel Schemmel, a finance major from Epworth, Iowa, will study at the American College of Greece, in Athens. She hopes to enhance personal skills such as problem solving and adaptability as well as to further her education.
Lauren Jagger, a gerontology major from Winterset, Iowa, will study at the USAC in Accra, Ghana, Africa. She anticipates a trip rich in new cultural experiences and making many new friends.
Cynthia Sweet, executive director of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, said, “Robert Eller 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 experiences.”
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, managed by a Board of Directors made up of Cedar Falls residents.
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.
