Congratulations, 2022 Scholarship Winners!

It was with much excitement that we announced the 2022 UMSA Foundation Scholarship winners at the 2022 Secure360 Conference on May 11th. Not only were we able to meet most of the recipients in person, but we got to learn more about them & celebrate their continued accomplishments! Learn more about each recipient below and thank you for your support of this remarkable program.

About the UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program 

The UMSA Foundation launched its scholarship program in support of our continued efforts in interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Just as we are committed to supporting organizations and professionals in security and risk-related industries, so are we committed to providing support in education. Through this scholarship program, we aim to provide financial assistance as a way to build the leaders of our future and sustain our industries. The scholarship program offers four (4) $3,000 scholarships and eight (8) $1,000 scholarships for undergraduate, graduate or continuing education students in the any of the following program areas: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery, Cybersecurity, Governance, Risk and Compliance, and Physical Security.

If you’d like to help support the program, you can still make a donation here! 

And now without further ado… the 2022 recipients!

	Olivia Alberts Junior, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient Being recognized by UMSA (a pillar of this community) gives me confidence in my future and makes me feel accepted into this thriving group of security thought leaders. I feel honored to be selected for this award from a crowd of my fellow undoubtedly bright security students. Most of all I’m excited to get to know the UMSA community!
	Rodas Bekele McKennon Senior, Purdue University Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient I would like to say thank you to all the donors who invested their time and money to help people like me. Its because of kind and generous people like you that the world becomes a better place. You all are touching hearts and changing minds one at a time.
	Sherwin Bothello Sophomore,  Minnesota State University Mankato Cyber|GRC|Privacy|Network Major $3,000 Recipient This award means a lot to me. To have my efforts recognized by such a reputable organization like this is just amazing. Growing up I struggled just to find my way but now I am certain that my future in cybersecurity & medical device burns brighter. This award enables me to push further and dream higher as I take these next plunges into the ever expansive realm of cybersecurity.
	Annabelle Klosterman Junior, Dakota State University Cybersecurity Major $3,000 Recipient I aspire to be a leader in the cybersecurity field and empower others to have an impact on the safety of our country’s future. I believe that will rely on the collaboration, training, and development of our cyber professionals. This scholarship will help me continue my education and enable me to help impact our youth, improve companies, and better ensure the safety of our country.
	Glenn Toby Freshman, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient I would say that I very much appreciate the opportunity they afford others such as myself to get the support and encouragement in our careers. It will go a long way in depositing toward a resource that will give more over time. I count myself as that resource and these efforts help set us up for further good work and enable us to give back to the community and enhance it over time in the field of security.
	Maria Moy Freshman, University of Minnesota Twin Cities GRC Major $1,000 Recipient This scholarship funding means I can focus more on school. Not having to worry about the financial aspect allows me to dive deeper into learning.
	Kennedy Ewefada Sophomore, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient Thank you for investing in students and encouraging continued growth and leadership in the security field.
	Kike Adegoke-Ode Freshman, University of Minnesota Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient It is great to have generous individuals and organizations who provide opportunity for students to receive financial support for academic endeavors.
	Nuredin Kawo Sophomore, Hennepin Technical College Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient I am the 1st child to attend college for my family. I greatly appreciate your help in order to successfully obtain my degree.
	Yona Abaliwano Sophomore, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient The scholarship for me is not just about receiving money but also the acknowledgment of my potential as a future security leader.
	Jacob Genia Senior, Minnesota State University Mankato Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient This award will help relieve financial stress, but most importantly it has improved my confidence.
	Hunter Squires Sophomore, University of Idaho Cybersecurity Major $1,000 Recipient By contributing to a scholarship for those gaining an education in security you are contributing to the next generation of security experts.