Since 1996, the Legacy of Heroines program has provided a number of scholarships to women who seek involvement and knowledge about the political process and public service. Each scholarship has specific criteria determined by the donor, and all applicants must demonstrate academic achievement and leadership experience.
Each student selected receives a one-time scholarship divided between the fall and spring semesters. Students may renew their scholarships if funds are available and the criteria continue to be fulfilled.
Students in the program are offered a plethora of opportunities that include trips to the state capitol, dinners with guest speakers, leadership development and mentoring. Students also are given the special opportunity to meet with their donor(s).
Returning scholars are:
Madeline Becker, junior double-majoring in dietetics and political science from Cedar Rapids, IA, is the recipient of the Rice-Neville Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Dianne and Keith Bystrom. In addition to her various leadership positions on campus, Becker has been involved with the Ames IMPACT track club for children and has volunteered at Mary Greeley Medical Center, where she focused her efforts on improving community nutrition by helping organize a farmers’ market at Kate Mitchell Elementary School.
Molly Bryant, junior in journalism and political science, is a recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Betsy Hoffman and Brian Binger. Bryant, from Bettendorf, IA, volunteers at the Emergency Residency Project in Ames, is vice president of her sorority and co-chair for Greek Week, raises money for the Ronald McDonald House and supports the ISU Dance Marathon. Thus far, she has been on the Dean’s List every semester at Iowa State.
Keely Burke, senior in biology with minors in Spanish and psychology, is the recipient of an Elverna Christian Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Darleane Hoffman. She is a member of the Pre-Med Club and the Biological Sciences Club; a peer mentor for the biology program; and participated in the University Honors Program, where she was a co-leader for the First-Year Honors Program. Additionally, Burke has been a student role model for the Program for Women in Science and Engineering, volunteered for Planned Parenthood and was the social chair for her living community.
Hannah Dankbar is a recipient of the Phyllis Davis Memorial Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by multiple donors. Dankbar is a senior in political science and Spanish from Johnston, IA. She is a member of the University Honors Program and the Pre-Law Club. She has served as vice president of her house hall, translated for Iowa Legal Aid, served on the University Committee on Lectures and is a Spanish tutor.
Laura Hansen, the recipient of a Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Helen Howe, is a junior in physics from Shenandoah, IA. An active member of physics and astronomy clubs, she serves as the outreach chair for the ISU Physics Club. Hansen was the vice president of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Council and participated in the Dean’s Leadership Council.
Janet Horsager is the recipient of the Beth Bierbaum Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Beth Bierbaum. She is a junior in global resource systems and music from Minneapolis, MN. Horsager has been an intern at the Catt Center, participated on the Women’s Leadership Retreat Committee and served as an LAS Career Fair ambassador. Additionally, she has served as a high school math tutor and was the community service representative for her house hall her freshman year.
Rebecca Konicek is the recipient of an Elverna Christian Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Darleane Hoffman. Konicek is a junior in biochemistry from Rockford, IL, and is an active member in Biochemistry Club and Pre-Med Club. She is vice president of her house hall and on the Dean’s List.
Jennifer Musgrove is the recipient of the Lauri and James Young Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Lauri and James Young. She is a junior in criminal justice and Spanish from Ames, IA. Musgrove is a violinist for the Central Iowa Symphony, has volunteered as an interpreter for the Ames Community School District and tutors college-age students through ISU’s Academic Success Center. A non-traditional student, she is a wife and a mother to two middle-school-aged boys.
Olivia Palmer is the recipient of a Phyllis Davis Memorial Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by multiple donors. She is a senior in biology, minoring in psychology and kinesiology, from Van Meter, IA. Palmer is a cabinet member of the Pre-Physical Therapy Club, and has been an LAS Ambassador and a participant in Dance Marathon.
Kelly Sebetka is a recipient of the Elizabeth Hoffman and Brian Binger Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Betsy Hoffman and Brian Binger. She is a senior double-majoring in English literature and international studies with double minors in women’s studies and psychology from Walker, IA. She has been on the Dean’s List each semester she has attended Iowa State, is a member of the University Honors Program and has participated in three study abroad programs. She was also named to the Iota Iota Iota women’s studies honorary and is a Catt Associate.
New scholars are:
Sawyer Baker is the recipient of the Jane Greimann Memorial Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Lowell Greimann. She is a senior double-majoring in political science and sociology from Altona, IL. Baker is currently the Alice Rodine community activism intern at the Catt Center and the ISU student ex-officio member of the Ames City Council. She was part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Search Committee and has served as the Iowa State Government of the Student Body (GSB) Liberal Arts and Sciences senator.
Isabela Cortes is the recipient of the Political Science Alumni Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Bill Haigh; Terrence and Maureen Tobin; Dwight Ink and Dona Wolf; and Judith Raak and Richard Heuwinkel. She is a senior in political science from Omaha, NE. Cortes has been an active member in GSB since 2011 and has been a Student Admissions Representative and Destination Iowa State team leader.
Elizabeth Hagan is the recipient of the Katherine Annin Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Annin’s estate. She is a sophomore in family and consumer science education with a minor in biology from Bayard, IA. Hagan is in the University Honors Program, serves as the elected historian and secretary of the Family and Consumer Science Education Club, and is a peer mentor for the human development and family studies learning community.
Ebony Jones is a recipient of the Elverna Christian Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Darleane Hoffman. She is a senior in community and regional planning from Florissant, MO. Jones has volunteered with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and was a non-profit protégé to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. She has presented at the Iowa State Leadership Experience conference and started the Women on a Mission group through her Community Leadership and Action class.
Danielle Pohl is a recipient of the Helen Jensen Howe Legacy of Heroines Scholarship, sponsored by Helen Howe. She is a senior in biology from Center Point, IA, and hopes to attend medical school upon graduation. Pohl is currently active on campus in Pre-Med Club, the Biological Sciences Club and the Student Health Advisory Committee. She is a peer mentor for the Biological Education Success Team, is an undergraduate teaching assistant and conducts independent research for an ISU professor.