In February 1989, Evelyn Lenander from Buffalo Lake, Minnesota established a fund to provide scholarships for college students majoring in elementary education. Evelyn was born in Renville County. She attended St. Cloud Teachers College and graduated with a two-year teaching degree in 1929. She and her husband farmed and Evelyn continued to teach. Evelyn Lenander was much loved and respected by her students during her 39-year career as an elementary education teacher. “I didn’t have children of my own. I had community children,” she said. Supporting students interested in pursuing elementary education career was important to Evelyn because, “You can’t be a good teacher by saying you want to be. A good teacher knows the basics and isn’t afraid to love the students.”

• College Student
• From: Attending a Minnesota College or University going into their 3rd or 4th year and have graduated from a MN high school.
• Major: Elementary Education.
• GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Recipients must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Completed 2 full years of college and accepted in a Minnesota College/University program leading to an elementary education degree.
• Preference will be given to permanent MN residents living within a 25 miles radius of Buffalo Lake and then eligibility will be expanded to include other students from Minnesota. All applicants should be permanent residents of the state of Minnesota.
• Planning to attend: 3-4th year of college