Hastings College, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
HASTINGS — From more than 150 applications to 40 participants selected for two Community Leadership Challenges to additional interviews that resulted in the final 15, the 2025-26 class of the Hastings College Scott Scholars program completed official signings over the weekend and will arrive on campus in August.
“This is an extraordinary group of students who have already demonstrated their leadership potential and academic excellence,” said Dave Rippe, director of the Scott Scholars program at Hastings College. “Their dedication to learning and innovation assures me they will make a significant impact at Hastings College and beyond. I’m excited to work with them as they embark on this journey.”
The Scott Scholars program is funded by the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation of Omaha. It’s open to high achieving students who want to participate in an exclusive experiential learning program majoring or double majoring with another area in biology, chemistry, physics, business or math. The renewable scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus room and meals, and provides $2,000 in annual educational and experiential enrichment funding.
The 2025-26 class of Hastings College Scott Scholars includes:
- Jayda Backous of Alliance, Nebraska
- Ashley Bauer of Elm Creek, Nebraska
- Eliza Borer of Hastings, Nebraska
- Caden Carter of Thornton, Colorado
- Jazlyn Favela of Grand Island, Nebraska
- Brody Fleischman of Overton, Nebraska
- David Gaisford of American Fork, Utah
- Kara Hartley of Hebron, Nebraska
- Gus Phye of Kearney, Nebraska
- Lydia Robertson of Orchard, Nebraska
- Matti Schroeder of Palmyra, Nebraska
- Brooklyn Sutter of Merino, Colorado
- Reese Svoboda of David City, Nebraska
- Gavin Whitten of Elkhorn, Nebraska
- Colton Willmott of Arlington, Nebraska
The Scott Scholars program is designed not only to provide financial support but also to foster leadership development through hands-on experiences in academics and community engagement. Students benefit from exclusive coursework tailored to their career interests and opportunities to network with professionals and leaders across Nebraska.
For more information about the program, visit hastings.edu/scottscholars.
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Discover more at hastings.edu.
