Cedar Falls Community Foundation Awards $30,000 in Scholarships

May 9, 2019

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded six $5,000 scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students with study abroad during the Fall 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. Six students were chosen to receive scholarships for Fall 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. UNI students are poised, confident, and passionate about their education and chosen fields. It is an honor to fulfill Robert Eller’s wishes to assist these students with study abroad.” The six students studying abroad Fall semester 2019 are:

Morgan Kapping, a TESOL-Education major from Nashua, Iowa, will study at the American College of Greece, in Athens. She hopes to learn about diverse cultures to inform her work as a future teacher.

Lucas Krakow, a Biology major from Marengo, Iowa will study at the University of Newcastle, Australia where he will take classes in biology, ecology, and sustainability.

Sean Ostendorf, a Mental Health Counseling graduate student, from Jefferson, Iowa, will participate in the Taiwan Exchange Program, attending the National Chengchi University in Taipei, Taiwan, where he looks forward to being immersed in the culture, taking introductory courses in Mandarin, and building relationships.

Luke Polzin, a School Counseling graduate student, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will also participate in the Taiwan Exchange Program, attending the National Chengchi University. Luke’s ultimate goal is to be a 21st-century change agent high school counselor.

Jeffrey Reicks, a Marketing major from New Hampton, Iowa, will study at the Universidad de Los Andes, in Santiago, Chile. He seeks a challenge, in a new environment, that will help him grow as an individual.

Marissa Ward, a Family Services major/mental health minor student from Marengo, Iowa will study at the University of Newcastle, Australia where she hopes to learn new ideas and gain unique perspectives on learning.

Cynthia Sweet, executive director of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, said, “Robert Eller’s goal was to give Iowa students the opportunity to travel and study abroad for all the benefits that brings to personal growth and independence. It was so important to him that for several years, while his endowment was growing, he self-funded the scholarships. The Foundation is honored to help fulfill Mr. Eller’s legacy and support these students with a study abroad experience. Upon their return, the students will share their experience by presenting to the UNI Emeritus Association.”
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 consisting of twenty 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.