Luther College Announces Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship Recipients

Decorah Vikings win, City Council votes, New Referenda on the ballot — we're the one telling Decorah's story. Donate now. DECORAH — Seven Luther College students have been awarded a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year. The recipients are Aaron Claxton, Eleanor Dickson, Emma Hansing, Kenna McGee, Avery Potter, Aiyana Taipe and Ren Talerico. "These scholarship recipients exemplify resilience, determination and commitment to service, community and self," said Jennifer Hanifl, Ed.D., director of TRIO Student Support Services. "The selection process was highly competitive and considered not only students' academic achievement, but also their leadership, service to others, personal experiences, career aspirations and challenges they have navigated on their path to earning a college degree." The Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship benefits first-generation college students, income-eligible students and students with disabilities involved in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Luther College. TRIO SSS provides customized support and comprehensive programming that fosters students' academic success, personal development and community engagement. The federally funded program has been available at Luther for more than 50 years and serves approximately 165 students annually. While TRIO SSS is federally funded, the scholarships are supported by private donations. The scholarship was established in 2001 by Lloyd and Kathy Anderson of Ames in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Mark Anderson, who graduated from Luther in 1985. "We are incredibly proud of each recipient and grateful to Lloyd and Kathy Anderson, whose support, in memory of their son, makes opportunities like this possible," Hanifl said. "These students demonstrate exceptional perseverance, a deep appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education and a genuine desire to use their education to create meaningful change in their communities. This scholarship represents an investment in students whose potential extends far beyond the classroom so they can remain focused on achieving their educational goals and preparing for lives of purpose, leadership and service." Aaron Claxton '28, a junior from Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is majoring in Spanish and music. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honor society for first-year students who achieve outstanding academic success, as well as Cathedral Choir and Organ Studio. He works as a tutor in music theory and ear training and Spanish and tunes pianos for Luther's music department. He plans to pursue graduate school. Eleanor Dickson '27, a senior from Guttenberg, Iowa, is majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy. She is a staff writer for the Luther College Chips student newspaper and a member of the Business Club. She received the Women's Swimming and Diving Norse Award for the 2025-26 season and works on a flower farm during the summer. Emma Hansing '27, a senior from Cortland, Illinois, is majoring in neuroscience and minoring in art. Through her work-study job at the Luther College Makerspace, she helps students bring their ideas to life. She is a member of Tau Delta Gamma and plans to become a physician assistant specializing in neuroscience. Kenna McGee '27, a senior from Eldridge, Iowa, is double-majoring in economics and environmental studies and minoring in Spanish. She volunteers with multiple campus sustainability and civic groups and serves as an assistant coach for Decorah High School girls soccer and youth teams through the Decorah United Soccer Club. In 2025, she received an honorable mention for the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship and was a Kuh Positively Luther Award recipient. She is completing a yearlong internship as an energy analyst for Clean Energy Districts of Iowa and plans a career in environmental economics or sustainability-focused private sector work. Avery Potter '28, a junior from Newton, Iowa, is majoring in social work and psychology. She is secretary for Norse Against Sexual Assault and fundraising chair for Tau Delta Gamma. She works as a barista at Nordic Brew on campus and as a server at a Newton steakhouse during the summer. She plans to pursue a master of social work and become a mental health therapist for teens and young adults. Aiyana Taipe '27, a senior from Burnsville, Minnesota, is majoring in sociology and minoring in Spanish. She works in the Luther Book Shop and is a member of Alpha Beta Psi. She serves on the TRIO Leadership Council and is involved in the Performing Arts Committee. She plans to pursue a master's degree in human resources. Ren Talerico '27, a senior from Madison, Wisconsin, is majoring in elementary education and minoring in art. She is a member of the women's swimming and diving team and volunteers with Luther's Caf to Community program. She serves as vice president of PALS, a student mentorship organization pairing Luther students with Decorah elementary and middle school students. She plans to become an elementary school teacher. Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve."