May 16, 2022

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded seven $5,000 scholarships from the Robert Eller Study  Abroad Endowment to support UNI students studying abroad during the Spring 2022 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), Paul Rider, Joan Duea, Diane Curtis, and Gary Shontz, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation executive director Sally Kleiss Timmer.  Seven students were chosen to receive scholarships for Spring 2022 from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.

Sally Kleiss Timmer, Executive Director of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, said, “The committee was presented with another round of outstanding student applicants.  We are impressed with the quality of UNI students, not only in their classroom work, but their community engagement and passion for their chosen fields and we are happy to assist them in their desire to experience life in another country.”

Each student has been introduced below:

Bre Eigenheer, is a Speech Communication and Theater Teaching Major, with a minor in coaching from West Des Moines, Iowa. Bre will study at the University of Newcastle in Australia and is excited to immerse themselves in their courses and Australian culture. After graduation Bre plans to work as a teaching artist.

Natalie Lawrence is a Spanish Teaching major with a minor in creative writing from Ames, Iowa. Natalie will study at the University of Oviedo, in Oviedo, Spain. She is looking forward to becoming more immersed in the Spanish culture because she believes it will help her later on with her career as a Spanish teacher.

Raegan Christanson has a double major in Sociology and Communication from Altoona, Iowa Reagan plans to study at the American College of Greece in Athens, Greece. She has had limited experience traveling and never spent any time in Europe. While there she is excited to learn about the history of the country and gain new educational experiences.

Carly Drenth is a Music Education major from Alta Iowa. Carly plans to study at Nelson Mandela University in Summerstand, Gqeberha, South Africa. She is excited to advance her education and adopt the culture of South Africa and learn how to enjoy life more. After graduation she goal is to teach music in diverse schools and incorporate South American music into her curriculum.

Mitchell Pregler has a double major in Finance and MIS with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Dubuque, Iowa. He will be studying at The American College of Greece in Athens, Greece. While there is hoping to get new experiences in the business world that can be applied to his future classes and student leadership programs!

Megan Robinson is a political science major with a minor in criminology from Decorah, IA. She will be studying at Veritas University in San Jose, Costa Rica. Megan has never had the opportunity to travel outside of the country so she is excited to engage with people from other cultures. She is looking forward to facing the challenges she will experience while studying abroad and growing from these experiences.

Elle Waskow is an Elementry education Major with a TESOL minor, from Coggon, Iowa. She will be studying at the Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy. She is looking forward to fulfilling her dreams of traveling abroad and learn more about the primary school system in other countries. Elle plans to teach English abroad after graduation and continue to travel around the world.

“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 about their study abroad experiences,” said the foundations director.

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 director@cf-communityfoundation.org.