Luther College Scholarships Recognize Students' Resilience, Leadership and Academic Excellence

Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — Luther College TRIO Student Support Services has announced that 11 Luther students were awarded scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year. "These scholarships are more than financial support — they're a recognition of our students' resilience, leadership and academic excellence," said Jennifer Hanifl, director of TRIO Student Support Services at Luther. "I am incredibly proud of this year's recipients, and we are grateful for the generous donors who continue to believe in the talent and determination of first-generation college students, income-eligible students and students with disabilities, many of whom are trailblazers for their siblings and communities." TRIO Student Support Services is a federally-funded program that provides specialized support for first-generation college students, income-eligible students and students registered with Disability Services. It has been sponsored by Luther College for more than 50 years, fostering the academic, professional, and personal growth of 165 students annually. Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship Six students—Jenna Kleven, Kenna McGee, Stephanie Mews, Zion Oyelude, Cecilia Ruiz and Ren Talerico—received a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship. The Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship was established in 2001 by Lloyd and Kathy Anderson of Ames, Iowa, in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Mark Anderson, who graduated from Luther in 1985. Jenna Kleven '26, a senior from Albert Lee, Minn., is double majoring in music and management. She is a member of the Luther College Concert Band, enjoys being a Dorian Summer Camp counselor and was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. Kleven has worked in the Department of Music office on campus and at Home Depot. She is exploring the possibility of graduate school after her graduation from Luther. Kenna McGee '27, a junior from Eldridge, Iowa, is double majoring in economics and environmental studies with a minor in Spanish. She is a member of the Luther Women's Soccer Team, Energy and Water Task Group, Campus Garden Revitalization, Citizens Climate Lobby and the Sustainable Foods Task Force. She also volunteers as a translator at the Decorah Community Food Pantry. In spring 2025, McGee was named to the Dean's List. She aspires to work as an environmental economist and seeks to make a lasting impact on society. Stephanie Mews '27, a junior from Marshfield, Wis., is double majoring in music and visual communication. She was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. She is a member of Cathedral Choir, Tau Delta Gamma and the TRIO Leadership Council (TLC). Mews also runs the lighting board for Luther opera performances. During the summer, she works at Target. After college, Mews would like to do design work for musicians. Zion Oyelude '27, a junior from Plainfield, Ill., is a nursing major. He is a member of the Black Student Union and Alpha Lambda Delta. Oyelude was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List and is a resident assistant at Ylvisaker Hall on campus. His future plans include becoming a registered nurse focusing on patient care and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Cecilia Ruiz '25, a senior from Chicago, is majoring in nursing and is a Luther College cheerleader. Ruiz was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. During the summer, Ruiz works in the emergency department at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She is looking forward to a career as a pediatric nurse. Ren Talerico '27, a junior from Madison, Wis., is an elementary education major with an art minor. She is a member of the Luther Women's Swim Team. Talerico volunteers with Partners and Leaders in Service (PALS), a community mentorship program that pairs elementary and middle school students with Luther students, and Luther's Cafeteria to Community Program. Talerico was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. During the summer, Talerico is a swim coach, lesson instructor and lifeguard. After graduation, she plans to be an elementary school teacher who inspires bright minds. Karen Julesberg Scholarship Five students—Jersie Benson, Geremiah Brown, Stevie Herrera, Arif Seepersaud Jr. and Aiyana Taipe—were each awarded a $1,000 Karen Julesberg Scholarship. The Karen Julesberg Scholarship benefits first-generation students, income-eligible students, and students with disabilities involved in TRIO Student Support Services at Luther College. Karen Julesberg '60 of Madison, Wis., has sponsored the scholarship since 2012. "When I was considering the many worthwhile opportunities that support Luther students and programs, it took me some time to select one that not only fit my interests but also touched my heart," Julesberg said. "Once I learned about TRIO with its variety of activities designed to support income-eligible and first-generation students, my choice was easy." Jersie Benson '26, a senior from Evansdale, Iowa, is an English major with a sociology minor. Benson is on Luther's Bowling Team. She works at the Decorah Public Library and is a board member of Luther's Oneota Review literary publication. Benson was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. After graduating from Luther College, she hopes to be a librarian. Geremiah Brown '26, a senior from Vallejo, Calif., is a management major. He is on the Luther Football Team and received the Jeff Wetach Character Award. Earlier this year, Brown received first place in the Dr. Reneé Watson First-Generation Student Essay Contest. He was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. He currently works at Kwik Star. In the future, Brown hopes to become a data analyst for a major sports team. Stevie Herrera '26, a senior from Hancock, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education with an endorsement in middle school for social studies and English as a Second Language (ESL). She volunteers with PALS and is a member of Tau Delta Gamma. She was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List and received the Tau Delta Gamma Outstanding Service Project award. Herrera works as a tutor at the Decorah Middle School. This fall, she is excited to begin student teaching. Arif Seepersaud Jr. '28, a sophomore from Elko New Market, Minn., is a data science major with a marketing minor. Seepersaud is a member of the Luther College Football Team, Alpha Lambda Delta and TLC. He is also a preceptor in computer science. This fall, he will be a resident assistant at Ylvisaker Hall. Seepersaud was named to the spring 2025 Dean's List. His dream is to be a data analyst for an NFL team. Aiyana Taipe '27, a junior from Burnsville, Minn., is majoring in sociology with a Spanish minor. Taipe is involved in Alpha Beta Psi, Performing Arts Committee and Latines Unides. She is a member of TLC. She has worked as a teacher assistant. After graduating, Taipe plans to attend graduate school and work as a human resources specialist. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.