Third legacy scholars cohort arrives at University of Minnesota

The third cohort of the Land-Grant Legacy Scholars (LGLS) Program started the academic year at the University of Minnesota, embarking on their studies in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS).

The 26 participants are the largest entering group of LGLS and bring the total number of scholars to 46. LGLS is a student success and scholarship program that supports scholars from Greater Minnesota. LGLS participants are selected based on a holistic review of their application conducted by the Office of Admissions. Students admitted to CFANS as incoming freshmen (and are from outside the seven-county metro area) are automatically considered for LGLS. LGLS participants are passionate about food, agriculture, and natural resources in their local communities and throughout the state.

This year’s cohort with hometown includes: Lafe Aarsvold, Plainview; Gianna Backowski, Villard; Emma Berquam, Kenyon; Nick Beseke, Sherburn; Sam Bobendrier, Pipestone; Emily Boland, Faribault; Chase Carroll, Pipestone; Jay Dicke, Goodhue; Elaine Dorn, Kenyon; Autumn Drotts, Deer River; Bryan Garlow, Good Thunder; Amanda Krueger, Warroad; Eve Lizotte, Moorhead; Madyson Long, North Branch; Abbi Moline, New London; Kyle Pfeifer, Buffalo; Emily Popp, Royalton; Nic Potthoff, Dunnell; Alyssa Ripley, Blue Earth; Evan Sinn, Trimont; Jeremy Soine, Cannon Falls; Lauren Steinberg, Faribault; Katie Treadwell, Maple Lake; Jacob Twohey, Stewartville; Kendra Waldenberger, Spring Grove; and Alena Wallin, Carlton.

Land-Grant Legacy Scholars offers a four-year experience which includes targeted, programmatic elements designed to support students during their time at the University of Minnesota and build community through a cohort model, as well as a financial scholarship worth $20,000 over four years.

Land-Grant Legacy Scholars also participate in the Dean’s Engaged Leaders Program (DELP). DELP is a year-long leadership seminar focused on helping students to develop their potential as leaders in a multicultural society. A hallmark of the course is an annual trip to White Earth and Lake Itasca for a wild rice immersion camp. 

The LGLS Program was conceived in Spring 2017, out of the work of CFANS and the Office of Undergraduate Education, to live out the university’s commitment to Minnesota residents and support access for Greater Minnesota students.