National Scholarship Month - The Stan and Patti Hasselbusch Endowed Scholarship

In celebration of National Scholarship Month, this November the University of Dubuque is sharing the stories of investors who are creating brighter futures and the students who have been impacted.

Stan Hasselbusch (C'70) has always had a strong connection to his hometown of Clarence, Iowa - a city of around 1,000 people. He and his spouse, Patti, have donated to the city's park, main street, churches, and fire department through the years. Recently, the Hasselbuschs created a scholarship to help bridge the connection between students in Stan's hometown and his alma mater.

The Stan and Patti Hasselbusch Endowed Scholarship is available for students who matriculate from North Cedar Junior-Senior High School in Clarence, Iowa, or from Cedar County, Iowa.

"We created the endowed scholarship to encourage students from North Cedar to attend the University of Dubuque and to help out students who might be in need," said Stan, who is also a member of UD's Board of Trustees.

Patti added, "We feel very strongly about it because both of us struggled financially to achieve our college educations."

The first recipient of the Stan and Patti Hasselbusch Endowed Scholarship is Caitlin Jensen, a sophomore human health science major from Clarence, Iowa. She received the scholarship her first two years at UD.

"I thought it was really cool to represent the City of Clarence," Caitlin said. "Coming from Clarence, I carry those life lessons with me every day here on campus whether that be in the classroom or on the volleyball court; I strive to honor the community that built me. It's really neat that this scholarship is given to people coming from my hometown."

In a fun small-town twist, Caitlin learned her grandpa Jim Cashman went to high school with Stan and her family house isn't too far away from where one of Stan's cousins used to live.

Caitlin is a middle blocker on the women's volleyball team and a Wendt Character Scholar. She said she is grateful to the Hasselbuschs and the opportunities she has already had as a Spartan.

"I feel like I have been given opportunities and experiences at the University of Dubuque that I wouldn't have been able to get elsewhere," Caitlin said. "The professors, the coaches, the academic advisors, and even the friendly faces in the dining hall, they're all wanting us students to succeed. Their kindness and generosity are definitely seen every day."

The Hasselbuschs look forward to helping more students.

"It's a great opportunity, and we will continue to contribute into the future," Stan said.

Patti added, "We want to help more students discover and experience UD. It's important to us because this scholarship is a way for us to support North Cedar and the students that are encountering similar challenges to the ones that Stan and I experienced."

Interested in learning more about investment and giving opportunities? Visit www.dbq.edu/givingtoud/, call 563.589.3158, or email UDAdvancement@dbq.edu.