Cedar Falls Community Foundation Awards $20,000 in Scholarships in 2019

December 17, 2019

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded four $5,000 scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students studying abroad during the Spring 2020 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, Joan Duea, Diane Curtis, and Gary Shontz, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation executive director Cynthia Sweet. Four students were chosen to receive scholarships for Spring 2020 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.”

Katelyn Klaver, a biochemistry major from Cedar Falls, Iowa, will be studying at the University College Cork, in Cork, Ireland. Katelyn is excited about the science classes she will be able to take at UCC that will enrich her education. She plans a future as an orthopedic surgeon. Katelyn has not previously travelled outside the United States, and hopes to use her Spring Break to travel in Europe, further expanding her world view.

Jessica Jost, a psychology major from Waukee, Iowa, will also study at the University College Cork. Jessica is interested in better understanding human nature, which will assist her in her future career in mental health and family services. She believes the study abroad experience will challenge her to grow as a person and help her develop that understanding and broader perspective. Jessica’s only previous travel experience was a ten day high school trip to Europe.

Adam Ramker, a physics major from Waverly, Iowa, will also study at the University College Cork. Adam is interested in physics research taking place at UCC that is not offered at UNI. He hopes to be exposed to a variety of possible career paths through understanding the new research. Adam has never travelled outside the United States.

Jessica Onken, a marketing major from Cambridge, Iowa, will study at the American College of Greece. Jessica wants to learn how to effectively communicate and work with people from difference cultures and to expand her world view. Jessica has never traveled outside the United States, and believes her study abroad experience will be an opportunity to develop problem solving skills as well as to further her education.

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.