Luther students Camacho and Kiehne awarded the Karen Julesberg Scholarship

Luther College students Samuel Camacho, Joy Hundorf and Elayna Kiehne have each received a Karen Julesberg Scholarship for the 2019-20 academic year. The $1,000 scholarship, created by Karen Julesberg of Madison, Wisconsin, Luther class of 1960, benefits Luther students involved in the TRIO Achievement Program. TRIO is focused on providing holistic and individualized support. TRIO is a federally-funded program that promotes students’ academic success, personal development and sense of community.

“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,” said Julesberg. “Once I learned about TRIO with its variety of activities designed to support income-eligible and first-generation students, my choice was easy.”

Samuel Camacho of Sylmar, California, is majoring in health and fitness promotion with a management minor. A member of the Luther College wrestling team since 2016, he has coached wrestling camps and completed various projects with his teammates through All Wrestlers Construction (AWC) in addition to working for the athletic department. He has also volunteered with the Decorah Community Food Pantry and the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa. Camacho has been recognized by the TRIO program with the Outstanding First Year Student Award (2017), Fred Factor Award (2018) and the Positively TRIO Award (2019). He will graduate next year with the Luther College class of 2020.

Joy Hundorf of Rushford, Minnesota, is a nursing major. She is a member of the Luther College Student Nurses Association and served as a resident assistant in Brandt Hall. Her volunteer activities include Luther College GrandPals, Luther College Phonathon and Luther College Dance Marathon. In addition to being a certified nursing assistant, she is certified in Safe Zone Training, Mental Health First Aid, American Heart Association Basic Life Support, and Bystander Intervention Training. She will earn her bachelor’s in nursing from Luther College in 2021.

Elayna Kiehne of Lanesboro, Minnesota, is a mathematics major with minors in physics and Asian studies. She also plays the saxophone, is the student manager for the Luther College wrestling team, volunteers with Luther Serves and is the secretary and treasurer of Tri-Omega service fraternity. Additionally, she is a math tutor for the TRIO Achievement Program and was recently hired as a student mentor for the campus math clinic. She will graduate from Luther College in 2021.

“It is an honor and pleasure to make a difference in the lives of Luther students,” said Julesberg. The TRIO Achievement Program provides services ranging from tutoring and advising to leadership development and graduate school preparation for more than 165 students annually.

Luther College is home to more than 2,000 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu