Aspiring cybersecurity and risk professionals were recognized during Day 2 of the 20th annual Secure360 Conference, held May 14–15. This year’s celebration was extra special as we marked two decades of bringing the security and risk community together. Several scholarship recipients joined us in person to receive their certificates on stage during the recognition ceremony, and many attendees had the chance to meet them at the UMSA Foundation booth in the tradeshow hall.
UMSA Foundation’s Scholarship Program continues to invest in the future of our industry – improving lives by helping students reach their academic and professional goals. Thanks to your support, we awarded four (4) $3,000 scholarships and seven (7) $1,000 scholarships in 2025.
Want to make an impact? Help us continue building the next generation of security leaders.
*Drum roll please*
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Recipients…
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Thomas Mamo
Senior, Metropolitan State University Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient
Kelley Archer Recipient
I am truly honored and grateful to be selected. This funding comes at an important time in my life where every bit of support makes a real difference. As a graduate student in cybersecurity, balancing tuition, certification costs, and living expenses has been challenging, especially after facing financial setbacks.
This scholarship not only eases the financial burden but also renews my confidence in my journey. It reassures me that the hard work, late nights, and sacrifices are worth it, and that there are organizations and people who believe in students like me.
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Ansley Nats
Junior, Dakota State University Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient
This scholarship is important to me because it helps ease the financial stress of college. This allows me to focus more on my education and future career in cybersecurity without worrying as much about expenses. Being selected for this award means a lot to me. It’s not just financial support, but a recognition of my hard work and goals!
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Ryker Lee
Freshman, Dakota State University Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient
This scholarship allows me to focus more on my education and professional development without the added financial stress. As a student pursuing dual degrees in Cyber Operations and Network & Security Administration, every bit of financial assistance brings me closer to my academic and career goals.
Your donation has not only lightened my financial burden, but it has also inspired me to give back in the future. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity this scholarship provides and the encouragement it brings as I pursue my career in cybersecurity.
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Mari Hauschildt
Junior, University of Wisconsin-River Falls Sustainable Management Major $1,000 Recipient
Receiving funding is a game-changer for me. Financial support can be a really limiting factor for individuals, like myself, who are passionate about making a difference in disaster recovery but may not have the means to pursue higher education in this specialized field.
This scholarship empowers me to pursue my passion and contribute to building more resilient and sustainable communities in the face of disasters like Hurricane Helene. I am incredibly grateful for this support and recognize the transformative impact it will have on my academic and professional journey.
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Tiya Nelson
Junior, Lake Superior College & Bemidji State Cybersecurity and Applied Management Major $1,000 Recipient
Dear Donors,
I want to sincerely thank you for your generous support and investment in my future. Your contribution to this award not only eases the financial burden of my education but also inspires me to continue striving for excellence in the cybersecurity field. Your belief in students like me helps build a stronger, more connected future for us all. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Your generosity is a powerful reminder that the greatest impact we have comes from lifting others up. Because of you, I am motivated and better equipped to succeed and give back to the community that has supported me.
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Aakriti Neupane
Senior, Minnesota State University Mankato Computer Information Technology Major $1,000 Recipient
Being selected for this award means a lot to me on a personal level. As an international student, the journey has had its challenges, from adjusting to a new environment to balancing academic and financial pressures. This scholarship is a reminder that my efforts, dedication, and passion for cybersecurity are being recognized and valued.
This award is more than just financial support; it’s a sign that I’m on the right path and that there are people who believe in my potential and future in this field. It truly means the world to me, especially knowing that people understand the unique challenges I face and are supporting me along the way.
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Gemachis Gadissa
Junior, Metropolitan State University Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient
Being selected for this award is really meaningful. It’s a recognition of the hard work, perseverance, and dedication I’ve put into my education and personal growth. It reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey, that there are people who believe in students like me. This award inspires confidence and reminds me that my efforts matter. It’s a powerful motivator to keep striving for excellence and to make the most of every opportunity.
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Lauryn Brynjulson
Freshman, University of North Dakota Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient
I cannot even begin to express what this means to me – I was jumping for joy when I found out that I was worthy enough to be selected for a cybersecurity based award. Being awarded this scholarship tells me that I am capable of pursuing cybersecurity. Thank you, UMSA, for choosing me as one of your recipients of your scholarship. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities this funding will give me in college. Your faith in what I can achieve does wonders for my self esteem, and I cannot wait to show you what I can do in the future.
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Rotimi Mogaji
Junior, Madison Area Technical College Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient
I want to sincerely thank you for your generosity and support in making this scholarship possible. Receiving this award means the world to me; it’s not only a financial help, but also a powerful reminder that there are people who believe in my potential and want to see me succeed. Your donation is making a real difference in my life. It’s allowing me to focus on my studies and work toward my goals with less stress and more confidence.
Thank you again for your kindness, your time, and your belief in students like me. Your support truly matters.
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Lillian Steele
Freshman, UW-La Crosse Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient
Scholarship funding is very important to me as, without it, I may not be able to fully study everything I am hoping to in the coming years. This award means a lot to me as it will help me in my goal to study cybersecurity and maybe make a difference in the field. Thank you for giving students the opportunity to afford college without utilizing many loans.
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About the UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program