Luther College students awarded Karen Julesberg Scholarships

Five Luther College students have each been awarded a $1,000 Karen Julesberg Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year. The recipients are Alyssa Connelly, Hattie Miller, Yves Muhire, Yasmin Ramadan and Emily Righter.

“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. 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.”

The Karen Julesberg Scholarship benefits first-generation students, income-eligible students and students with disabilities involved in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Luther College. TRIO SSS is a federally funded program, and Luther College has sponsored TRIO programs for more than 50 years. The program serves 165 students annually.

While the TRIO SSS program is federally funded, the scholarships are funded by private donations. Karen Julesberg ’60 of Madison, Wisconsin, has sponsored this 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.”

Hanifl expressed Luther’s gratitude for Julesberg’s generosity.

“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,” Hanifl said. “We are incredibly proud of each recipient and grateful to Karen Julesberg, whose support makes opportunities like this possible.”

Alyssa Connelly ’29, a sophomore from Harpers Ferry, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education and plans to be a special education teacher after graduation. Connelly is a student-athlete on the women’s golf team. Her hobbies include diamond art and puzzles. She enjoys her work-study position in Marty’s in the lower level of the Dahl Centennial Union at Luther.

Hattie Miller ’29, a sophomore from Elma, Iowa, is double-majoring in accounting and communication studies. Miller is treasurer of the Stitches and Threads Club, a student organization where students share their passion for fiber arts like knitting, crocheting and embroidery. She is involved with the Council for Faith and Life and sings with Aurora – one of Luther’s choral ensembles. Her career ambition is to work as an accountant.

Yves Muhire ’27, a senior from Saint Paul, Minnesota, is double-majoring in anthropology and international studies, and minoring in sociology. Muhire is a Diversity and Ethnic Representative with Luther’s Student Senate and was selected for the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society. He is a member of the men’s soccer team and participates in Model UN. He intends to pursue a career in public policy.

Yasmin Ramadan ’27, a junior from Moorhead, Minnesota, is majoring in social work. Ramadan is involved with the Black Student Union, the Social Work Association, the Luther College Hearing Board and the Decorah Community Free Clinic. She is also a community volunteer in Postville. Through her campus work-study job, she is a student manager at both Marty’s and Nordic Brew. Ramadan also works as an activity assistant at Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah. After graduation, Ramadan intends to pursue a career in child welfare.

Emily Righter ’27, a junior from Wellman, Iowa, is majoring in neuroscience. As a French horn player, Righter participates in both the Luther College Symphonic Band and Horn Seminar. She enjoys her work-study job as a TRIO SSS peer coach and student office assistant. Righter intends to pursue a career as a clinical trial coordinator.