2025 NDSU McGovern Scholars welcomed to campus

NDSU welcomed the 2025 class of McGovern Scholars to campus on Monday, Aug. 25, honoring students selected for their leadership, academic excellence and commitment to service.

The McGovern Scholars program at NDSU honors the legacy of Harry D. McGovern, a civil engineering graduate whose generosity and vision continue to shape opportunities for students. Created through his philanthropic support, the program provides scholarships to high-achieving NDSU students who demonstrate integrity and a commitment to making an impact.

McGovern Scholars are part of a distinguished group that represents the best of NDSU. With support from the full-tuition scholarship they can focus on academic success, explore leadership opportunities and pursue experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers. McGovern scholars engage in undergraduate research, internships and community service carrying forward the values that inspired Harry McGovern’s own career and contributions.

Beyond financial support the program fosters connection. Scholars often build close relationships with other scholarship recipients, faculty mentors, alumni and peers who share their drive to excel and give back. This strong network not only enhances their time at NDSU but also positions them for success after graduation.

“The McGovern Scholars program is about more than financial support,” said Doug Zeltinger, NDSU new student scholarship manager, “It’s about belonging to a community that challenges you to grow and inspires you to lead.”

2025 McGovern Scholars

This year’s McGovern Scholars represent a wide range of majors, hometowns and aspirations but they all share a commitment to learning and leadership:

• Gannon Andrews – Computer science, Milan, Minn.
• Caleb Appel – Mechanical engineering, Fulda, Minn.
• Olof Bakke – Engineering, Mora, Minn.
• Elsa Bieger – Biological sciences, Perham, Minn.
• Juliette Champagne – Mechanical engineering, Fargo, N.D.
• Wyatt Cummings – Mechanical engineering, Ross, Minn.
• Evan Doe – Construction engineering, Regent, N.D.
• Zachary Guthrie – Cybersecurity, Big Lake, Minn.
• Dominic Herman – Mechanical engineering, Excelsior, Minn.
• Kathleen Kerian – Civil engineering, Grafton, N.D.
• Makayla Kraft – Biological sciences, Minot, N.D.
• Noelle Luger – Environmental engineering, Fort Yates, N.D.
• Lena Nielsen – Engineering, Fargo, N.D.
• Ezekiel Pelayo – Mechanical engineering, Shakopee, Minn.
• Maleah Pfeifer – Psychology, Fargo, N.D.
• Samuel Redington – Mechanical engineering, West Fargo, N.D.
• John Schletty – Computer engineering, Eden Prairie, Minn.
• Brooklyn Schramm – Environmental engineering, Waconia, Minn.
• Emelia Schroeder – Mechanical engineering, Sartell, Minn.
• Titus Stubbs – Computer engineering, Crosby, N.D.
• Will Thompson – Mechanical engineering, Winona, Minn.
• Josiah Uggerud – Chemistry, Fergus Falls, Minn.
• Megan Waggie – Computer engineering, Rochester, Minn.
• Evan Wallestad – Mechanical engineering, Willmar, Minn.
• Grace Winter – Electrical engineering, Woodbury, Minn.
• Kaydin Woods – Mechanical engineering, Trinity, Ala.