Five Luther College students have each received a $1,000 Karen Julesberg Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year, providing financial support as they continue their studies in Decorah.
The recipients are Alyssa Connelly, Hattie Miller, Yves Muhire, Yasmin Ramadan and Emily Righter. The scholarships are connected to Luther’s TRIO Student Support Services program, which supports first-generation students, income-eligible students and students with disabilities.
Scholarship recipients and their plans
Connelly, a sophomore from Harpers Ferry, Iowa, is majoring in elementary education and plans to become a special education teacher. She is also a student-athlete on Luther’s women’s golf team and works in Marty’s, located in the lower level of the Dahl Centennial Union. Her hobbies include diamond art and puzzles.
Miller, a sophomore from Elma, Iowa, is pursuing double majors in accounting and communication studies. She serves as treasurer of the Stitches and Threads Club, where students share interests in knitting, crocheting and embroidery. Miller is also involved with the Council for Faith and Life and sings with Aurora, one of Luther’s choral ensembles. She plans to work as an accountant.
Muhire, a senior from Saint Paul, Minnesota, is double-majoring in anthropology and international studies, with a minor in sociology. He is a Diversity and Ethnic Representative with Luther’s Student Senate and was selected for the Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honor Society. He also plays on the men’s soccer team and participates in Model UN. Muhire plans to pursue a career in public policy.
Ramadan, a junior from Moorhead, Minnesota, is majoring in social work. Her campus and community involvement includes the Black Student Union, the Social Work Association, Luther’s Hearing Board, the Decorah Community Free Clinic and volunteer work in Postville. She is a student manager at Marty’s and Nordic Brew through work-study, and works as an activity assistant at Barthell Eastern Star Home in Decorah. She intends to pursue a career in child welfare.
Righter, a junior from Wellman, Iowa, is majoring in neuroscience. A French horn player, she participates in Luther’s Symphonic Band and Horn Seminar. She works as a TRIO SSS peer coach and student office assistant, and plans to become a clinical trial coordinator.
Scholarships support Luther’s TRIO students
The Karen Julesberg Scholarship benefits students involved in TRIO Student Support Services. Luther says its TRIO SSS program is federally funded and has sponsored TRIO programs for more than 50 years. The program serves 165 students annually, while the scholarships themselves are funded through private donations.
Julesberg, a 1960 Luther graduate from Madison, Wisconsin, has sponsored the scholarship since 2012. She said she chose to support TRIO after learning about its range of activities for income-eligible and first-generation students.
“Once I learned about TRIO with its variety of activities designed to support income-eligible and first-generation students, my choice was easy.”
Jennifer Hanifl, director of TRIO Student Support Services, said the selection process was highly competitive. She described the recipients as students who show perseverance and a commitment to service, community and personal growth.
“This scholarship represents an investment in students whose potential extends far beyond the classroom, so they can remain focused on achieving their educational goals and preparing for lives of purpose, leadership and service,” Hanifl said.
Luther College announced the awards July 9, 2026. The college said the scholarships help recipients stay focused on their educational goals while preparing for careers and community service.