The Austin Community Scholarship Committee announced it has awarded scholarships totaling $38,000 to 19 local students for the academic year starting this fall.

The students to whom awards were made and the indicated college of choice include: William Anderson, Philadelphia University; Joshua Bau, Bethel Seminary; Nicholas Alms; University of Minnesota; Margaret Darling, Luther College; Brendan Ehlke, University of Northern Iowa; Kevin Groh, Augsburg College; Mark Harber, College of St. Scholastica; Katie Hoff, College of St. Scholastica; Mitchell Holtzworth, Allen College; Brendan Kiefer, University of Minnesota; Katherine Foster, University of Minnesota; Ashley McColloch, St. Cloud State University; Kyle Rizzi, University of Minnesota; Katelyn Rizzi, University of Minnesota; Chelsey Roberts, Marquette University; Daniel Swatfager, University of Minnesota; Kyle Swatfager, University of Minnesota; Megan Theobald, University of Northern Iowa; and Brady Voigt, University of St. Thomas.

William Anderson is this year’s Steven Gill Memorial Scholar. Margaret Darling is this year’s Philip Richardson Memorial Scholar. Megan Theobald is this year’s Gwenith and C. Joe Gislason Endowment Fund Scholar.

With the announced awards, over $680,000 will have been given since the first awards were made in 1962.

Sources of funds for the awards include former scholarship recipients, memorial gifts, and estate bequests. Contributions have come from local businesses and organizations including the Hormel Foundation, Hormel Foods Corporation through its Matching Gifts Program, and from individuals.

The committee maintains an endowed scholarship fund in excess of $200,000. Over the years, investments have returned over $50,000, all paid out in scholarships.

Scholarships are available to students entering their Junior or Senior year of college or postgraduate study, and who are candidates for a degree at an accredited college in the United States. For more information, contact Mary Huntley, at (507) 433-3483.

Committee members are Craig Johnson, Lowell Foster, Patricia Stevens, Tom Sherman, Scott Richardson, Kathy Green, Robert Thatcher, Eric Vaughn, and Mike Ruzek.