Meghan Tylke arrived at UMD expecting to pursue a single major. Instead, her curiosity pulled her in multiple directions. Now she’s in her final semester, about to complete four degrees: professional sales, marketing, French studies, and Chinese area studies.

The ambitious course load meant Tylke’s path to graduation would take five years, something she said wouldn’t have been possible “if I didn't have scholarships backing me.” That financial support also made a study abroad experience in France possible. She’d always dreamed of living abroad, too, and now as she approaches graduation, she’s recognizing “how much of a possibility that is.”

Tylke received three scholarships, including the UMD John Kratz Sales Scholarship, named for professor emeritus John Kratz, who was instrumental in founding the professional sales program. Jessica Gardner, director of the program, said “that financial impact is really helpful to not only draw students into our university, but to keep them here and make sure that they don't miss those experiential opportunities, such as studying abroad.”

Tylke said she’s thankful for professors like Gardner who helped her “fall in love with academics.” She’s excited to begin a career in sales, and also hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree in France or China. "UMD has helped me become a lifelong learner," she said.

“Scholarships have allowed me to focus on developing confidence, communication, worldview, and adaptability,” Tylke said. “It has grown my skills exponentially.”

No matter where the next chapter takes her, she said, “Duluth will always be home.”