Anna Tucker, 2011 Winner
(Pictured on the left)
Anna Tucker is a Communications major and is a junior. Anna is from Golden Valley and is the daughter of alumna Jeanne Tucker. Anna is the fourth new recipient of the UMD Alumni Scholarship. She was chosen through a selection process that noticed her commitment to not only her studies at UMD, but also her involvement in student organizations and service projects in the Duluth community. She has shown great leadership qualities with her many activities, including Phi Sigma Sigma, a social sorority at UMD, where she was voted Sisterhood Development Chair and is serving as the Public Relations chair for Greek Life. Anna helped organized the first dance marathon for Phi Sigma Sigma, which raised money for a children’s hospital. During her time in Duluth so far, Anna has not been afraid to try her hand at new activities, where she played in UMD’s pepband for a time, volunteered for the John Beargrease Race and Princess for a Day.
Samantha Berg, 2010-2011 Winner
(Pictured on the right)
Samantha Berg is a senior and is majoring in teaching life sciences. Sam is from Machesney Park, Illinois and is the granddaughter of alumnus Russell Berg. Sam received the UMD Alumni Scholarship in 2010 and re-qualified for a renewal this year due to her great academic record, community involvement, and her positive contributions to the UMD Alumni Association. Sam attended alumni board meetings and helped at various alumni sponsored events. She enjoyed the chance to network with alumni and develop leadership skills by working closely with the UMD Alumni Association Board of Directors and Bulldog committee, which she currently co-chairs. Academically, she has done very well in her studies at UMD and has even managed to find time to help with several service projects in the Duluth community, including volunteering with Duluth’s Five Points Program as a mentor. Sam has also been very active in the Duluth’s Women’s Rugby Club for a few years and had been voted by her peers Captain and Vice President and was also interim coach her senior year.
Tim Rahkola, 2009 Winner
(Pictured on the left)
Tim Rahkola, graduated in 2011 with a major in Music education. Tim hails from Esko, MN, and is the son of alumnus Olli Rahkola and Katherine Rahkola. Tim was the second student to ever receive the UMD Alumni Scholarship for his deep love for all things Bulldog and his academic, athletic and musical talents. Tim was involved with many musical endeavors, including UMD’s concert and pep bands and various ensembles. He played UMD varsity football and counts the NCAA Div. II Championship experience in December 2008 as one of his top UMD memories to date. His talent and dedication to the game had been recognized, not only at UMD, but also in in Finland, where he studied abroad. Tim played for the Helsinki Roosters, one of the eight professional, American-style football teams in Finland. Tim’s love of sports was also evident in high school where he was also involved with track and alpine skiing. Tim used his unique talents and skills to volunteer at the soup kitchen, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Northland Youth Music Program. Tim’s ultimate goal is to teach music and coach football.
Wayne Gatlin, 2008-2009 Winner
(Pictured on the right)
Wayne Gatlin III, from Duluth, is the son of UMD alumni Tamara Paulson Gatlin and Wayne Gatlin Jr. He graduated in May 2010 from the Swenson College of Science and Engineering with a major in cell biology. Wayne was the first student to ever receive the UMD Alumni Scholarship. Wayne received the Alumni Scholarship in 2008 and qualified for a renewal in 2009, due to his conscientious school work, community involvement and positive contributions to the UMD Alumni Association. He attended alumni board of directors meetings, helped register attendees at alumni events and was a valuable committee member on the alumni sponsored graduation party committee. Wayne was involved in the pre-vet club, surf and kite club, and the vineyard campus ministry at UMD, where he also volunteered as a tutor and a supplementary instructor for students. Wayne was a captain for the Spirit Mountain Freestyle ski team and enjoyed helping team members improve their skills. Besides these many activities, Wayne had received recognition by many in the Duluth community for his numerous accomplishments.
