Sterling College students Sydney Bangert, of Kingman, and Johanna Beck, of McPherson, were both awarded Green and Gold scholarships from the Kansas Independent College Foundation. KICF received 55 nominations for its collection of merit-based scholarships. A volunteer panel of nine judges helped select the 22 winners. Each nominated student had to submit detailed essays about their leadership training, their future career goals, and why they chose an independent option for their higher education.

“Sterling College students are afforded a number of opportunities to receive institutional scholarships and grants as well as scholarships from our partners including KICF. Johanna and Sydney are both outstanding students. Both of these young women contribute to the success of the programs they are actively involved in and these are well-deserved awards,” said Mitzi Suhler, vice president for enrollment services. 

“The colleges in KICF ‘punch above our weight’ in a number of areas. We’re consistently at the top of the state in producing graduates in several fields - business, health care, teaching, fine and performing arts, and of course, ministry and faith. First generation students and students of color are more likely to graduate - and graduate on-time - from non-profit colleges like ours than other types of institutions. And we have robust programs designed to serve students who come back to school to complete their degree and who serve in our nation’s armed services. These scholarships showcase those strengths. I’m excited that, for the second year in a row, these students showcase the best and brightest, not just in Kansas, but in the whole United States,” said KICF President Matt Lindsey.

Bangert was awarded with the Future Leaders in Education scholarship. Bangert is an elementary education major, resident assistant and a member of the Women’s Basketball team. 

“This institution has brought many opportunities for me to grow in my faith and be challenged to excel in my field of choice. I believe that I have the necessary skills and passion to be the best teacher I can be through my experience and time at Sterling College. I will graduate with a bachelor's degree that will give me the ability to do what I have a passion for and that is to teach kids,” said Bangert. 

Beck was awarded with the Future Leaders in the Arts scholarship. Beck is a theatre major, having participated in many Sterling College Theatre productions. 

“I have taken part in the editorial staff of the College's literary journal. I also participate in the Warrior Mentor program, helping students who are struggling to learn how to balance homework and other college activities. One of the greatest people who has influenced me is my theatre director. She is constantly telling me that she knows that I can get a job done. She is always encouraging me to do more and be courageous in how I express myself,” said Beck. 

Located in Topeka, the Kansas Independent College Foundation is a 501(c)3 that develops and enhances the competitive standing of its 20-member independent, non-profit, regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities and strives to assure opportunity and choice in higher education for all students. For more information on the Foundation, please contact Jesyca Hope at 785-235-9877 or jesyca@kscolleges.org.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.