Carlson/Amys Scholarship

 Matthew O'Fallon

In 2007, the Carlson and Amys families established the Carlson/Amys Family Scholarship at UMD. They are long-time residents of Hermantown, and are graduates of UMD. They decided that a scholarship was the best way they could give back to their hometown community, and to UMD. This scholarship is meant to encourage graduates from Hermantown High School to attend UMD the fall after their high school graduation. The scholarship rotates between CLA and LSBE, with preference given to Geography, Environmental Studies or Urban and Regional Studies Majors in the CLA years of award.

Matthew grew up in northern Minnesota and fell in love with the outdoors and geography. He traveled a lot in childhood and got hooked on maps, always following along on family trips. After graduation he hopes to find a job in cartography somewhere in the mountains creating maps of remote places.

Catherine E. Cox Scholarship in Geography

Joshua Sandstrom         Kelly Bray

The Catherine E. Cox Scholarship in Geography honors Catherine Cox who received her undergraduate degree in Geography from UMD. The award recognizes students whose academic achievements and future plans embody the goals and mission of the Department of Geography at UMD.

Joshua writes, “I grew up in Hermantown, Minnesota and graduated Hermantown High School in 2009. I chose to major in Geography at UMD because I wanted to go to college at home, and Geography seemed to be the best major for me. After I graduate from UMD, I hope to attend further schooling for a degree in meteorology.”

Kelly is a non-traditional student with a passion for learning. She has a diverse background of career and academic experiences that continually help her succeed in her pursuit of a Geography B.A., Environmental Studies Minor, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate. She is particularly interested in healthy food production and food systems. She works as a project coordinator on UMD's Sustainable Agriculture Project. After graduation she will attend graduate school focusing on Geography of Food Systems and/or GIS.

Emma Goldman Scholarship in Geography

Tara Coberly-Horrall   Stephanie Gibeau
   

The Emma Goldman Scholarship in Geography recognizes students whose achievements embody the ethics, values, and accomplishments of the famous Lithuanian-born feminist activist and intellectual Emma Goldman. Goldman, a close associate of the Russian geographer Pyotr Kropotkin, has inspired generations of women, feminists, and geographers throughout the world with her numerous scholarly and activist works. This scholarship honors her and her legacy by supporting and promoting gender equity, critical thinking, and academic achievement among students in the Department of Geography and at UMD.

Tara writes, “Growing up on a small farm near Madison, Wisconsin rooted an important ideal within me, that is the interconnectedness between daily life and the surrounding environment. This connection between humanity and the land has always fascinated me, and pursing the study of geography has continued to develop my knowledge of the intricate balance between earth systems. A minor in American Indian Studies has deepened my awareness of the struggles faced by those whose connections to the land have been severed, and I have become passionate about studying how improving the land can improve the lives of people. I hope to help strengthen communities by working on sustainable and urban agriculture, bringing renewed life to people that have been separated from the land that truly sustains us all.”

Stephanie is a Junior who is majoring in Geography with a minor in Photography, and is also pursuing an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Over the past few years at UMD, she has had her photographs displayed in multiple art exhibitions and is an active member in the UMD Athletic Bands.

Matti E. Kaups Geography Scholarship

    Sarah Davidson     Stephanie Gibeau

The purpose of the Matti E. Kaups Geography Scholarship is to provide assistance to UMD students majoring in Geography. To be considered for the scholarship, typically a UMD student must: be entering his/her concluding year of undergraduate study at UMD; be a full-time student in good academic standing; be majoring in Geography; maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be for students who hope to pursue graduate level studies once they achieve their undergraduate degree.

Sarah Davidson is a junior at UMD majoring in Geography and Political Science. She is from Sunny Lake Bluff, Illinois.

Stephanie is a Junior who is majoring in Geography with a minor in Photography, and is also pursuing an Undergraduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science. Over the past few years at UMD, she has had her photographs displayed in multiple art exhibitions and is an active member in the UMD Athletic Bands.

Fredrick and Lois Witzig Geography Scholarship

   Samuel Giebner

The Fredrick and Lois Witzig Geography Scholarship will assist a Geography, Environmental Studies, or Urban Studies major who is maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA, to gain knowledge and personal development from a quality liberal education at the University of Minnesota Duluth. This scholarship was created by the family of Fred and Lois Witzig. Frederick joined the University of Minnesota Duluth Geography department in 1953 and continued teaching until 1990.

Samuel writes, “I am double majoring in both Geography and Urban and Regional Studies while completing the Geographic Information Science Certificate Program. Currently I am a junior and plan to graduate spring semester of 2013. After the completion of my undergraduate programs, I am considering pursuing a master’s degree in Geographic Information Science at the University of Minnesota. Outside of the classroom, I am member of the nordic ski team and a marathon runner. I also have a passion for canoeing and wilderness camping. My passion for the outdoors and community has led to envision a career with the either the Forest Service, DNR or a County government.”