NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University has announced the recipients of scholarships honoring individuals from Atlantic, Iowa, with connections to the institution. The awards have been given to three students for the 2024-25 academic year.

Thomas Leonard, a first-year student majoring in physical education from Atlantic, and Dawsen Sorensen, a general biology major from Marne, Iowa, have both been awarded the Michael L. Faust Scholarship. This scholarship is intended for incoming freshmen who graduated from high schools in southwest Iowa, with preference for graduates of Atlantic High School.

Brianna Wilson, a senior studying elementary and special education, received the E.G. and Mary Faust Scholarship for the second consecutive year.

The Michael L. Faust Scholarship recognizes students' dedication to education and service within their community. Mike Faust himself is an alumnus of Northwest Missouri State University, having graduated in 1974. He retired in 2015 after a long career at Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc., where he held various roles including assistant to the chairman and manager of community relations programs.

Faust remains an active supporter of Northwest Missouri State University and has served on its Board as one of its longest-serving directors. His contributions also include his time as visiting dean at the Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth College of Business and Professional Studies during 2015 and 2016.

For those interested in more information about these scholarships or wishing to make a tax-deductible contribution to benefit Northwest Missouri State University, they are encouraged to contact the Office of University Advancement at 660-562-1248.