Dickinson State University (DSU) is dedicated to keeping college tuition affordable for students. By offering in-state tuition rates to students nationwide and having frozen tuition rates for multiple years, the university has helped ensure that students can pursue their education without the burden of rising costs. A major factor in making education affordable at DSU is the generous donations and fundraising efforts of the DSU Heritage Foundation (DSU HF), which provides a variety of scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals.
One student who has benefited from these scholarships is Emma Welch, a sophomore elementary education major from Bowman, North Dakota. Welch applied for scholarships through DSU HF and various programs on campus and was awarded several, including an honors scholarship for the Theodore Roosevelt Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP), an athletic scholarship, the DSU Hawk Talk scholarship, and the Alice Travers scholarship. The Alice Travers scholarship is awarded to students from Bowman County or Harding County.
"Being able to receive these scholarships is something that I am forever grateful for and I will never take for granted," Welch said. "I have been so blessed with the experience I have had at college, and without these scholarships, my experience could be completely different."
During her freshman year, Welch learned firsthand the values that DSU stands by. Through the TRHLP, she and a group of friends decided to raise money for a family in need. They organized a fundraiser called TEAM TODD, which involved creating T-shirts and hosting a pancake feed to support Todd and his wife, Linda. Through this experience, Welch learned that “Together Hawks Make A Difference,” and she has carried this lesson with her throughout her time at DSU.
"The supportive community at DSU is something I wish everyone could experience," Welch said. "Being part of such an amazing community is something I will never regret."
In addition to the financial support, Welch has made lasting connections with people across campus. From professors in various departments to students involved in different sports teams and clubs, she has built a network that has enriched her college experience. The people around her at DSU are incredibly supportive, and she credits them with making the campus environment unique.
“The people on campus are incredibly supportive, whether it’s professors like Professor Crossingham, Dr. Dragseth, Professor Hoffmann, or Dr. Aus, classmates, friends, or familiar faces around campus like Ty at DSU HF, Victoria at Sodexo, Jason Watson at the BAC, or Luann in the mailroom,” Welch said. “All of these individuals contribute to what makes DSU unique, and being part of such an amazing community is something I will never regret. Coming to DSU was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I am incredibly grateful for every experience.”
Through the support of the DSU Heritage Foundation, scholarships, and the strong campus community, students like Emma Welch are able to make the most of their college experience and continue to thrive both academically and personally.