As a teacher of fifth- and sixth-graders for more than 20 years, Linda Bachman Felker encountered hundreds of talented students who should have been college-bound but couldn’t afford to even consider it. In 1993, with those young people in mind, she established the Ralph and Marguerite Bachman Scholarship, which is also supported by her brother, Walt Bachman, ’66 B.A. Named for their parents, the scholarship has enabled more than 250 students to achieve their dream of a college education.

With scholarship and fellowship gifts reaching $48 million this year, donors are playing a vital role in the University’s goal to attract and retain the best students. The commitment to help 10,000 students receive a high-quality education through private support ensures access to the University of Minnesota for promising young men and women from all income levels.

Scholarships are helping students such as Wang Moua cross the bridge to a brighter future. Moua, a sophomore studying Asian languages and music, says that without the Bachman Scholarship, she wasn’t sure she could realize her long-term plans. “The scholarship covered part of my tuition so I didn’t have to worry as much about money. It has given me hope to pursue my dreams,” she says.

Meet Bachman Scholars Sean O’Brien and Yolanda Lamar in a short video.