Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
February 13, 2013 Bekki Babineau | Development Associate | Office of Development | 218 726-7989 | bbabinea@d.umn.edu
Cheryl Reitan | Associate Director of External Affairs | 218 726-8996 | creitan@d.umn.edu
New Scholarship Applicants Being Sought for UMD's 2013-2014 FinnFest USA '92 Scholarship Awards
DULUTH, MN -- When Don Wirtanen and the committee closed the books on FinnFest
USA '92, they created two firsts. One, they conducted the most financially successful
Finnish festival that the national association FINNFEST USA ever experienced. Two,
they established UMD's first endowed Finnish Heritage scholarship from the nearly
$50,000 proceeds raised. The celebration was held July 23-26, l992 with over 7,000
people attending.
The FinnFest USA '92 Scholarship was initiated with the intent of assisting students of
Finnish heritage for study either on campus or abroad.
FinnFest Scholarships are awarded to junior, senior, or graduate level students.
Candidates must be enrolled full time at UMD, and must be able to demonstrate financial
need (have FAFSA papers on file). Grade point average will also be considered. Transfer
students may also apply. Preference will be given to students of Finnish heritage
and those from NE Minnesota or NW Wisconsin. A transcript must accompany all
applications.
The organization has awarded 179 scholarships to outstanding UMD students since its
creation in 1993.
New scholarship applicants are currently being sought. To be considered for the 2013-
2014 scholarships, applications must be postmarked or received by April 5, 2013.
To request information contact:
Bekki Babineau, Office of Development, University of Minnesota Duluth,
315 Darland Administration Building, 1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-7989 or bbabinea@d.umn.edu
Gifts to the FinnFest USA '92 Scholarship may be directed to:
UMD Development Office,
315 Darland Administration Building,
1049 University Drive,
Duluth, MN 55812
Questions about applications or contributions should be directed to Bekki Babineau at
(218) 726-7989.
Eleven students were named as recipients of the 2012-2013 FinnFest USA '92
Scholarship awards.
UMD FinnFest USA '92 Scholarship Recipients for 2012-13:
Evan Engman
Laura Engman
Matti Erpestad
Mandy Gagnon
Paul Heltunen
Theresa Kettunen
Seazon Kleimo
Jari Mackie
Allison Maki
Eric Miller
Marisa Yliniemi