BHSU students meet with local donor supporting their scholarships

Black Hills State University math and science students meet with the donor of their scholarships, Carol Lundberg, recently to thank her for her support and to discuss their college and career plans. Left to right: Michael Hurst, biology major from Spearfish Kaitlin Spargur, biology education major from Spearfish Madison Jilek, physics major from Spearfish and donor Carol Lundberg, Spearfish.

Three Black Hills State University scholarship recipients, Michael Hurst, biology major from Spearfish Madison Jilek, physics major from Spearfish and Kaitlin Spargur, biology education major from Spearfish, who have earned significant scholarship awards through an endowment established by Carol Lundberg, met with the local philanthropist recently to discuss their college and career plans.

Spargur said she will graduate from BHSU next year debt free, thanks to the financial support of BHSU scholarships, including Lundberg's.

"I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Carol for her generous contribution to my college education. I am honored to be among the many students she supports and I will be forever grateful," said Spargur.

During their recent meeting, Lundberg asked the students about their classes and their campus involvements, sharing advice with the students as they work to achieve their goals. Spargur said Lundberg is proud of her scholarship recipients and wants to help them take full advantage of the opportunities at BHSU.

Lundberg shared advice with the group that Spargur says will help her as she pursues a career in teaching.

"Carol said you absolutely have to find something you are passionate about. That if you do, you are able to open any door you would like," said Spargur. "There is always more to learn and understand, but Carol told us to never stop doing what we enjoy and reaching for what we want."

Lundberg has been a strong supporter of BHSU scholarships. She has been especially dedicated to providing scholarships in math and science to students from the state of South Dakota. Since 2011, nearly $30,000 in scholarship funds have been distributed to BHSU students from the Carol Lundberg Endowment.

Lundberg is an active member of the Spearfish community and served as the BHSU Swarm Days Parade Marshall in 2015.