Photo by: NDSU Athletics
NDSU Athletics Announces Inaugural Winners of Itterman Graduate Scholarship
7/24/2020 11:15:00 AM | General, Team Makers
FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State University athletic department has announced the inaugural winners of the Itterman Graduate Scholarship, which will be awarded to four student-athletes to pursue postgraduate education.
The Itterman Graduate Scholarship was established by former Bison football player Brett Itterman and his wife, Katie. Both enjoyed postgraduate educational opportunities that enhanced their current careers.
"We want to help student-athletes pursuing graduate degrees have eye-opening and interesting experiences that will in turn enhance their professional endeavors," the Ittermans said. "This scholarship is our way of showing NDSU Athletics lives the motto 'Once a Bison, Always a Bison.'"
The first-time Itterman Graduate Scholarship recipients are women's golfer Sierra Bennion, women's track and field athlete Paige Harris, women's soccer goalkeeper Monica Polgar, and softball player Lauren Reimers.
"I am incredibly grateful to both Brett and Katie for their generous support," said NDSU director of athletics Matt Larsen. "This initiative was near and dear to their hearts, and to see the impact it will have on our graduating student-athletes as they continue their education is inspiring. It is always great when a student-athlete gives back to their alma mater because of the positive experience they had on campus and as a member of the athletics program."
Brett Itterman has a degree in business administration from NDSU and earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He says Kellogg sharpened the foundational skills he developed at NDSU and showed he could succeed at the highest level of academia and business when given the opportunity to compete. He is now the chief executive officer of Fargo-based Pentex Restaurant Group.
"NDSU prepared me to join the professional world," Brett said. "My coaches and teammates instilled a discipline, work ethic and preparation that has been the foundation of my professional career. Bison Athletics requires the willingness to grind and hustle; I believe those traits, along with luck, are the key to success in every field."
Brett was a linebacker on Bison teams from 2002 to 2006 that laid the foundation for a successful Division I program that has evolved into a modern-day dynasty. He was part of the program's first win over an FBS-level opponent and a conference championship in his senior year.
"Those teams confirmed the move was the correct decision and instilled the confidence that great things were possible," Brett said. "The Bison's unimaginable success has rightly overshadowed the transition, but I am proud to have played on those teams and proud of our place in Bison history."
Katie Itterman graduated from William Mitchell College of Law and is now executive director for the Burgum Foundation. She says the decision to attend graduate school is often the most important academic choice a student-athlete makes, but it comes with some serious trade-offs.
"At law school, my eyes were opened to so many ideas and different career paths," Katie said. "We want to help students pursue their academic goals in spite of financial pressure to forego the opportunity."
Each of the four Itterman Graduate Scholarship recipients will receive a one-time financial award applied to postgraduate study in a field and at the institution of their choice.
Here are the bios on the 2020 scholarship winners:
Sierra Bennion, Women's Golf, Doctorate in Audiology at the University of Utah
Sierra was a consistent performer on the golf course and in the classroom for the past four years at NDSU. An integral part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Sierra's enthusiasm and drive for success are palpable. A team leader, Sierra was a key member on a women's golf team that won the 2018 Summit League Championship and received the 2019 Presidential Academic Team Award given to the NDSU athletic program with the highest team GPA.
Personal statement: "All the drive and passion I have for the field of audiology directly stems from my own personal experience. In order to give the best care to my future patients, it is extremely important for me to understand what they are going through. I remember being upset and wondering why I had all these hearing issues. Now, I believe that I can help others have the best experience possible while going through their own hearing challenges.
Head Coach Matt Johnson: "Sierra became a full-time starter as a sophomore and continued improving ultimately playing the No. 1 position for us the majority of her senior year. Academically, she has always been a standout student but has also shown improvement by becoming a first-time Academic All-American Scholar her junior year. Sierra is a highly respected member of the team, and a remarkably generous and kind person."
Paige Harris, Women's Track and Field, University of Washington Medical School
Paige graduated with perfect 4.0 GPA and was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American® on her way to admission into the University of Washington Medical School. Active as a volunteer, Paige has been a fixture at events like National Women and Girls in Sports Day, as well as helping collect and sort food received through the SAAC food drive. In addition, she worked as a certified nursing assistant.
Personal statement: "Many of my experiences while participating in collegiate track and field have been nerve-wracking and seemingly impossible. Nevertheless, I have been able to push myself to achieve things I didn't think I could. I know these tribulations will seem small once I reach the medical field and am presented with patients who have complex illnesses or are in critical condition. I also know that I will not back down from these challenges because my past experiences have prepared me to welcome them with passion and without fear."
Head Coach Stevie Keller: "Paige Harris is in the top 1 percent of the student-athletes I have coached. A good measure for success is the ability to bring out the best in others and Paige does this better than anyone else I know."
Monica Polgar, Women's Soccer, Masters of Science in Natural Resource Management at NDSU
One of the most prolific athletes in NDSU soccer history, Monica has been a fixture for the program since she walked on campus. Over the past two years, Monica played every minute of every game as goalkeeper. Monica equaled her athletic achievements with an impressive scholarly record as an undergraduate research associate providing hundreds of hours of research assistance.
Personal statement: "Through my professional career, I hope to be able to give back to the community and the environment by working to restore native habitats for both wildlife and human enjoyment. It is my hope that through my work people are able to develop a greater connection to natural lands while also ensuring the integrity of the wildlife is protected."
Head Coach Mike Regan: "From a personal perspective, Monica has always demonstrated a high degree of integrity, responsibility and respect in all of our interactions both on and off the field, which has always impressed me. Her work ethic and character are clear to anyone who has had the opportunity to work with her, which is a critical part of her success. It is evident that Monica has a passion for continuing her education in the natural resources industry and is committed through specific education, career goal-setting, and continues to take all the steps to achieve."
Lauren Reimers, Softball, Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota
Lauren achieved numerous successes over the past five years on the softball field and in the classroom. Some of her accolades include being named an All-America Scholar, as well as receiving the highest departmental honors for academic achievement. She was a three-year member of Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and was the primary coordinator for the SAAC Blood Drive.
Personal statement: "NDSU Athletics has taught me to put others' needs ahead of my own, to work as a team, and to celebrate others' successes with greater joy than I celebrate my own. Therefore, I will naturally put my patients' needs ahead of my own, and work alongside them to achieve their goals."
Head Coach Darren Mueller: "Lauren will do whatever it takes to grow and learn new ideas and is the type of person that enjoys challenges and wants to be the best she can at whatever she does. I believe she will bring that same drive and enthusiasm in graduate school."
The Itterman Graduate Scholarship was established by former Bison football player Brett Itterman and his wife, Katie. Both enjoyed postgraduate educational opportunities that enhanced their current careers.
"We want to help student-athletes pursuing graduate degrees have eye-opening and interesting experiences that will in turn enhance their professional endeavors," the Ittermans said. "This scholarship is our way of showing NDSU Athletics lives the motto 'Once a Bison, Always a Bison.'"
The first-time Itterman Graduate Scholarship recipients are women's golfer Sierra Bennion, women's track and field athlete Paige Harris, women's soccer goalkeeper Monica Polgar, and softball player Lauren Reimers.
"I am incredibly grateful to both Brett and Katie for their generous support," said NDSU director of athletics Matt Larsen. "This initiative was near and dear to their hearts, and to see the impact it will have on our graduating student-athletes as they continue their education is inspiring. It is always great when a student-athlete gives back to their alma mater because of the positive experience they had on campus and as a member of the athletics program."
Brett Itterman has a degree in business administration from NDSU and earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He says Kellogg sharpened the foundational skills he developed at NDSU and showed he could succeed at the highest level of academia and business when given the opportunity to compete. He is now the chief executive officer of Fargo-based Pentex Restaurant Group.
"NDSU prepared me to join the professional world," Brett said. "My coaches and teammates instilled a discipline, work ethic and preparation that has been the foundation of my professional career. Bison Athletics requires the willingness to grind and hustle; I believe those traits, along with luck, are the key to success in every field."
Brett was a linebacker on Bison teams from 2002 to 2006 that laid the foundation for a successful Division I program that has evolved into a modern-day dynasty. He was part of the program's first win over an FBS-level opponent and a conference championship in his senior year.
"Those teams confirmed the move was the correct decision and instilled the confidence that great things were possible," Brett said. "The Bison's unimaginable success has rightly overshadowed the transition, but I am proud to have played on those teams and proud of our place in Bison history."
Katie Itterman graduated from William Mitchell College of Law and is now executive director for the Burgum Foundation. She says the decision to attend graduate school is often the most important academic choice a student-athlete makes, but it comes with some serious trade-offs.
"At law school, my eyes were opened to so many ideas and different career paths," Katie said. "We want to help students pursue their academic goals in spite of financial pressure to forego the opportunity."
Each of the four Itterman Graduate Scholarship recipients will receive a one-time financial award applied to postgraduate study in a field and at the institution of their choice.
Here are the bios on the 2020 scholarship winners:
Sierra Bennion, Women's Golf, Doctorate in Audiology at the University of Utah
Sierra was a consistent performer on the golf course and in the classroom for the past four years at NDSU. An integral part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Sierra's enthusiasm and drive for success are palpable. A team leader, Sierra was a key member on a women's golf team that won the 2018 Summit League Championship and received the 2019 Presidential Academic Team Award given to the NDSU athletic program with the highest team GPA.
Personal statement: "All the drive and passion I have for the field of audiology directly stems from my own personal experience. In order to give the best care to my future patients, it is extremely important for me to understand what they are going through. I remember being upset and wondering why I had all these hearing issues. Now, I believe that I can help others have the best experience possible while going through their own hearing challenges.
Head Coach Matt Johnson: "Sierra became a full-time starter as a sophomore and continued improving ultimately playing the No. 1 position for us the majority of her senior year. Academically, she has always been a standout student but has also shown improvement by becoming a first-time Academic All-American Scholar her junior year. Sierra is a highly respected member of the team, and a remarkably generous and kind person."
Paige Harris, Women's Track and Field, University of Washington Medical School
Paige graduated with perfect 4.0 GPA and was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American® on her way to admission into the University of Washington Medical School. Active as a volunteer, Paige has been a fixture at events like National Women and Girls in Sports Day, as well as helping collect and sort food received through the SAAC food drive. In addition, she worked as a certified nursing assistant.
Personal statement: "Many of my experiences while participating in collegiate track and field have been nerve-wracking and seemingly impossible. Nevertheless, I have been able to push myself to achieve things I didn't think I could. I know these tribulations will seem small once I reach the medical field and am presented with patients who have complex illnesses or are in critical condition. I also know that I will not back down from these challenges because my past experiences have prepared me to welcome them with passion and without fear."
Head Coach Stevie Keller: "Paige Harris is in the top 1 percent of the student-athletes I have coached. A good measure for success is the ability to bring out the best in others and Paige does this better than anyone else I know."
Monica Polgar, Women's Soccer, Masters of Science in Natural Resource Management at NDSU
One of the most prolific athletes in NDSU soccer history, Monica has been a fixture for the program since she walked on campus. Over the past two years, Monica played every minute of every game as goalkeeper. Monica equaled her athletic achievements with an impressive scholarly record as an undergraduate research associate providing hundreds of hours of research assistance.
Personal statement: "Through my professional career, I hope to be able to give back to the community and the environment by working to restore native habitats for both wildlife and human enjoyment. It is my hope that through my work people are able to develop a greater connection to natural lands while also ensuring the integrity of the wildlife is protected."
Head Coach Mike Regan: "From a personal perspective, Monica has always demonstrated a high degree of integrity, responsibility and respect in all of our interactions both on and off the field, which has always impressed me. Her work ethic and character are clear to anyone who has had the opportunity to work with her, which is a critical part of her success. It is evident that Monica has a passion for continuing her education in the natural resources industry and is committed through specific education, career goal-setting, and continues to take all the steps to achieve."
Lauren Reimers, Softball, Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Minnesota
Lauren achieved numerous successes over the past five years on the softball field and in the classroom. Some of her accolades include being named an All-America Scholar, as well as receiving the highest departmental honors for academic achievement. She was a three-year member of Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and was the primary coordinator for the SAAC Blood Drive.
Personal statement: "NDSU Athletics has taught me to put others' needs ahead of my own, to work as a team, and to celebrate others' successes with greater joy than I celebrate my own. Therefore, I will naturally put my patients' needs ahead of my own, and work alongside them to achieve their goals."
Head Coach Darren Mueller: "Lauren will do whatever it takes to grow and learn new ideas and is the type of person that enjoys challenges and wants to be the best she can at whatever she does. I believe she will bring that same drive and enthusiasm in graduate school."
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