The Rudd Foundation recognized 20 Kansas high school seniors at its annual dinner as members of the first cohort of Rudd Scholarship winners. These Kansas residents earned a four-year college scholarship that covers all remaining tuition and fees, books and supplies, and room and board to attend either Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University or Wichita State University (full list attached). The four-year financial commitment to support this cohort of Rudd Scholars is estimated at $1.1 million.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the exceptionally high-caliber, well-rounded students that were chosen for this year’s Rudd Scholarship,” said Peter Najera, President of the Rudd Foundation. “They are not only great leaders in the classroom, but also in the workplace, on the sports fields and in their communities. Though these students have diverse interests and backgrounds, what they certainly have in common are the Midwestern values of grit, humility, determination and work ethic.”
The Rudd Scholarship is a Kansas program that strives to help Kansas “Go-Getters” stay in Kansas after graduation and build new businesses, teach in its schools, lead in its communities and achieve excellence in all that they do while living in Kansas. In addition to living on campus and carrying a full load of classes towards their college degree, scholars will also participate in many developmental activities outside the classroom, network with leaders in their future professions, build strong relationships among themselves, and serve to help the next generation of scholars through an active and connected alumni association after graduation.
“We view this scholarship as an investment in the extraordinary potential of these young adults as well as the talent pipeline of the state,” said Najera. “This program will enable these students to achieve their long term goals after graduation and be positive contributors to our Kansas communities and society as a whole.”
