Seven Luther College students have each received a $1,000 Steven Mark Anderson Scholarship for the 2022-23 academic year. Recipients include Jasmine Elliott, Samantha Ferguson, Lilah Gray, Emily Marthaler, Kaylee Martin, Samuel Nemechek and Samantha Reesman.
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. The scholarship benefits first-generation and income-eligible Luther College students involved in the TRIO Achievement Program. TRIO provides customized support and comprehensive programming that fosters students’ academic success, personal development and community engagement. The federally-funded program has been sponsored by Luther for nearly 50 years and serves approximately 165 students annually.
Jasmine Elliott ’24, a sophomore from Evansville, Wisconsin, is majoring in identity studies with dance and psychology minors. Elliott is a member of the Luther College dance program, Norse Against Sexual Assault and the Sunday night worship group (Focus). She is also the vice president of service for the national co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. Off campus, Elliott works at ArtHaus in Decorah and is a member of the American Association of University Women. After graduating from Luther, she aspires to facilitate cultural connections, inspire healing, encourage self-responsibility and advocate for universal equity and equality through dance activism.
Samantha “Sammy” Ferguson ’23, a junior from Rapid City, Illinois, is an English major with a management minor. She is a member of Collegiate Chorale and the vice president of the Tau Delta Gamma sorority. Ferguson works on campus as a peer leader for the TRIO Achievement Program and as a tutor for the Barry Writing Center. Off campus, she works as a library aide at the Decorah Public Library. She is CPR and first aid certified and has been invited to Sigma Tau Delta, the honors society for the English department. After graduating from Luther, Ferguson aspires to become a publicist and work for a publishing company that specializes in novels.
Lilah Gray ’24, a sophomore from Des Moines, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education. Gray participates in Luther College Ballroom and Swing club and has performed with the Aurora choir. Currently, Gray is a valued student manager for Oneota Market on campus. After graduating from Luther, Gray plans to become a teacher and eventually attend graduate school.
Emily Marthaler ’24, a sophomore from West Union, Minnesota, is majoring in social work with a minor in art. Marthaler participates in the Luther College Social Work Association and Habitat for Humanity groups. After graduating from Luther, she plans to attend graduate school to obtain a master’s degree in social work specializing in art therapy.
Kaylee Martin ’24, a junior from Romeoville, Illinois, is majoring in social work with a counseling minor. At Luther, she serves as the vice president of the Social Work Association and the newly formed Special Olympics group. Martin is a skills trainer at Opportunity Homes, Inc., Decorah, where she serves people with disabilities. She is certified in mental health first aid and as a medication manager and is a member of the Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society. Off campus, Martin volunteers at Helping Services for Youth and Families by being a “Mentor for a Day” and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. After graduating from Luther, Martin plans to attend graduate school and then become a social worker for youth involved in the foster care system.
Samuel Nemechek ’23, a junior from Elkader, Iowa, is majoring in economics and minoring in philosophy. Nemechek is co-creating a new club on the Luther campus for powerlifting and is a resident assistant in Dieseth Hall. Off campus, he works at Quality Inn and Suites in Decorah. Nemechek is certified in CPR and mental health first aid. After graduating from Luther, he would like to remain in the Decorah area but is also open to exploring the world.
Samantha “Sami” Reesman ’24, a sophomore from Burlington, Wisconsin, is a nursing major. She is a member of the Luther Women’s Swimming and Diving team and works as a lifeguard for the Luther Aquatic Center. She is certified as a water safety instructor and certified in CPR and first aid. After graduating from Luther, Reesman plans to return to Wisconsin and work as an RN.
For questions about the TRIO Achievement Program or to learn more, visit luther.edu/trio or email [email protected]
About Luther College
Luther College is home to about 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.
