Brenda is entering her senior year at St. Cloud State University and will receive a degree in elementary education. Andrea will enter her freshman year at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee to pursue a major in marketing in the School of Business.

Brenda will spend the final semester of her senior year in Australia, where she will complete her student teaching assignment. She studied there for a year on an exchange program and looks forward re-visiting that country. After graduating from college, she plans to teach middle school science. “I love getting kids excited about learning, especially science,” Brenda wrote on her scholarship application.

Brenda is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and volunteers for Big Brothers/Big Sisters at a school in Sauk Rapids. She helps pay for her college expenses by working two jobs. She is the daughter of Daniel and Mary Brusegard. 

Brenda Brusegard

Andrea has had her sights fixed on a career in marketing for some time. For two years at Logan High School in La Crosse she was active in DECA, a national organization that promotes student activity in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Andrea won both local and state awards for her projects.

After graduating from college with a major in marketing and an emphasis on fashion merchandising, Andrea would like to find employment as a buyer with a major retailer such as Macy’s.

Regarding her college plans, Andrea wrote: “I will continue my education to make the most of myself and succeed in my career, no matter what it takes.”

Andrea Olson is the daughter of Kathryn Olson of La Crosse and Tom Olson of La Crescent, Minnesota.

Andrea Olson