Luther College announces Steven Mark Anderson and Karen Julesberg Scholarship recipients

Luther College announces that 11 students received scholarships through the TRIO Achievement Program for the 2023-24 school year. Luther is approaching the 50th anniversary of its involvement with TRIO, a federally funded program that provides support and programming to foster academic success, personal development and community engagement to 165 first-generation, income-eligible students in addition to students with disabilities each year. Six students received the Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship and five students received the Karen Julesberg Scholarship. 

While the TRIO program is federally funded, the scholarships are funded by private donations in honor of Luther graduates. 

The Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship was established in 2001 by Lloyd and Kathy Anderson of Ames, Iowa, in memory of their son, Pastor Steven Mark Anderson, who graduated from Luther in 1985. 

Karen Julesberg, who graduated from Luther in 1960 and now resides in Madison, Wisc., has sponsored the 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.”

Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship recipients

Rosie Baldus, a junior from Charles City, Iowa, is majoring in theater and minoring in art and counseling. Baldus is a member of the SPIN Theatre Company, Active Minds, PRIDE and the Intersectional Feminists Club in addition to participating in Pep Band, Jazz Band and Trumpet Studio

Jocelyn Demiglio, a senior from Zion, Ill., is double-majoring in global health and chemistry. She serves as the vice president of finance and fundraising chair of Alpha Phi Omega and is the future president of the Global Health Club.

Grace Lawrence, a senior from Osseo, Wisc., is majoring in social work. She serves as the secretary of the Special Olympics Club and Social Work Association and is also a member of the Luther Disability Alliance.

Sidney Miller, a senior from Hokah, Minn., is a double major in political science and global health. She is a member of the Student Senate, the Intersectional Feminists Club, the Global Health Club and the Luther Political Review.

Samantha Peterson, a senior from Maple Grove, Minn., is majoring in social work and minoring in Spanish. She is a member of the Social Work Association and the Special Olympics Club. 

Samuel Scott, a senior from Moreno Valley, Calif., is a management major. He is a member of the Luther College Men’s Basketball team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Food Council. 

Karen Julesberg Scholarship recipients

Aliyah Arkley, a senior from Bloomington, Minn., is a nursing major. She completed her year in Rochester, Minn., as a part of the nursing program, where she volunteers at the memory care facility.

Jersie Benson, a sophomore student from Evansdale, Iowa, is an English major. She is a member of the Luther College Bowling team. After graduating from Luther she hopes to become a librarian.

Lilah Gray, a senior from Des Moines, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education. Gray participates in Luther College’s Ballroom and Swing Club and has performed with the Aurora Choir.

Jacob Klingsten, a junior from Waterford, Wisc., is working toward a music education degree. Klingsten is a Big Pal in the Luther College Pals program and is also involved with the Future Music Educators of Luther College. 

Kaylee Martin, a senior from Romeoville, Ill., is majoring in social work with a counseling minor. She is vice president of Special Olympics and the vice chair of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

For questions about the TRIO Achievement Program or to learn more visit www.luther.edu/trio or email trio@luther.edu. 

Luther College is home to around 1,800 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 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.