The Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund, founded in 1949 to provide scholarships to exceptional northern Minnesota students, has named Heidi M. Hahn, EdD, to a five-year term on its board of directors.
Dr. Hahn is currently serving as a Special Education Partner with Sourcewell, a self-sustaining, government agency based in Staples, Minn., which for 40 years has helped government and education entities operate more efficiently. In her role with Sourcewell, Dr. Hahn partners with 23 school districts to identify and create regional support and solutions related to special education.
She was previously with Brainerd Public Schools for 29 years, including as Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. Hahn received her Master’s Degree in Education, Health and Human Development from Montana State University, and her Doctorate Degree in Education Administration and Leadership from St. Cloud State University.
“The Alworth Memorial Fund always seeks to bring a diversity of experience and skills to its Board of Directors, and Heidi Hahn provides us another excellent perspective to inform how we allocate scholarships,” said Board President Marieta Johnson. “The board, and the students we help, will benefit from Heidi’s contributions.”
Dr. Hahn joins other Alworth board members and staff in providing $1.2 million in scholarships each year to northern Minnesota students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science, engineering and medical fields of study. New in 2024, Alworth scholarships are also available to students currently enrolled at designated two-year community colleges who plan to complete their STEM-related education at a four-year institution.
“I have always admired the work the Alworth Memorial Fund does to help students in our region fulfill their dreams,” said Dr. Hahn, who resides in Nisswa, Minn. “I’ve seen many instances over the years of how important an Alworth scholarship is to Brainerd-area students. Now it’s my honor to help the organization positively impact hundreds of other students during the coming years.”
In addition to Johnson and Dr. Hahn, the Alworth board is comprised of Eric Albrecht, Michelle Arnhold Davies, PhD, Charles Black Lance, Kurt Brooks, Patty Phillips and Maggie Skelton. The organization’s Executive Director is Patty Salo Downs.
Since 1949, the Alworth Memorial Fund has granted $57.8 million in scholarships to 5,390 students. The fund is available to students in 60 high schools, plus those who are homeschooled, in these 10 northern Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Lake, Itasca, Koochiching and St Louis. There are currently over 260 active participants in the Alworth Scholarship program pursuing their degrees in colleges and universities across the U.S. and abroad. Learn more at www.AlworthScholarship.org.