BYRKELAND MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED

The Melba Byrkeland Memorial Special Needs Scholarship has been established at Iowa Lakes Community College to honor Byrkeland’s dedication as an employee (1972-1998) during which time she helped special needs students realize their career goals.

Byrkeland was recognized by Presidents Reagan and Clinton for her unique special needs program development based on her educational philosophy of developing the “whole person.” Also a committed mentor for other faculty, she helped develop the first new faculty orientation, the Velkommen Experience. Melba touched many lives, “making a difference,” as if reaching out to others was a way of life for her.

Eligible candidates for the Byrkeland Memorial Scholarship must be former SAVE/COC students continuing their education at Iowa Lakes Community College part-time or full-time while displaying financial need determined by the FAFSA form results. A preference will be given to those students continuing on in the Iowa Lakes Hotel/Restaurant Management program.

Those interested in applying for or establishing scholarships are asked to contact Shan Ray, Iowa Lakes Institutional Advancement Executive Director, at 712-362-0491 or 800-242-5106 ext. 4491.