SDSU Rodeo Scholarships
Rodeo Scholarships
This scholarship program is funded by many SDSU Rodeo supporters and alumni that donate live calves or give monetary donations. The calves are back grounded at the Myron Williams family ranch near Wall, SD and finished at the SDSU Foundation Opportunities Farm in Lennox, SD. Every team member is eligible for these scholarships. They are earned based on points awarded at NIRA rodeos, club participation, and college GPA. Limited incoming freshmen scholarships are earned based on past rodeo achievements, video submitted, and applications submitted. Monetary donations can be sent to the SDSU Foundation, “Rodeo Steer for State” Box 525, Brookings, SD 57007. Please contact coach Ron Skovly for anyone interested in donating live calves toward the program after weaning in the fall. To support the SDSU rodeo scholarships, or help with rodeo team practice expenses, you can also use the "Give Now" button below and specify in the comments box with Rodeo Scholarships or Rodeo Practice. Both donation options are tax deductible and very much appreciated by the SDSU Rodeo Program!
TJ Waller Memorial Scholarships – $1000
TJ Waller, brother of Penny Waller Skovly, passed away from Mesothelioma Cancer at the age of 33. TJ enjoyed rodeo and loved to follow it without ever competing himself as a farmer and cattle producer. For over 60 years the SDSU Rodeo team has been supported by non-competing club members that enjoy helping the team succeed. This yearly scholarship is designed and awarded by Coach Ron Skovly to give a $500 scholarship to two deserving SDSU Rodeo Club members that have not participated in NIRA rodeo. These members volunteer their help with SDSU Rodeo practices, chores, jackpots, and the Jackrabbit Stampede. The scholarship is funded every year by TJ’s parents Richard and Sue Waller with 37 Cattle Co. of Holdrege, NE.
Stephanie Anderson-Williams Memorial Scholarship – +/- $1400
SDSU Rodeo alumni and 1997 Great Plains Region Breakaway Champion, Stephanie Anderson-Williams lost a short battle with brain cancer in 2013. She competed for the SDSU Rodeo team all four years while receiving her bachelor’s degree in education. In 1997, she married SDSU rodeo teammate Marty Williams from Wall, SD, where she taught and coached volleyball for 13 years. As a former teammate of Stephanie’s, it is an honor for Coach Ron Skovly to pick the yearly scholarship winner. The recipient must be an incoming Junior or Senior member of the SDSU Rodeo Team or Club that intends to participate during the upcoming season and has a 3.0 GPA or better. The team or club member will be picked based on their leadership, support of other members, volunteering, and willingness to assist with chores or other duties associated with the rodeo program. The scholarship has been established through an endowment in Stephanie’s name through the SDSU Foundation.
Marcie Locken Memorial Scholarship – $500
The Marcie Locken Memorial Scholarship fund was established in 2013, by her family and friends, to honor the life and courage of Marcie Locken. Marcie grew up in Isabel, South Dakota and attended South Dakota State University, where she was a member of the Jackrabbit Rodeo Team. In 2007, Marcie qualified for the National College Rodeo Finals in the Goat Tying. She also competed in Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing throughout her rodeo career. In December 2011, Marcie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and fought her battle at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. On November 7, 2012 at the age of 26, Marcie lost her battle to cancer, but her spirit lives on. Marcie was dedicated to her family, friends, rodeo, school, & church. She always had a smile on her face and could always bring out the best in others. Throughout her battle with cancer, Marcie was a strong, fearless woman that fought her heart out. In memory of Marcie, an annual scholarship will be awarded to a student that shares the same qualities, dedications, & dreams that Marcie was passionate about.
Dorothy Aaberg Kennedy Scholarship - $1500
Dennis J Kennedy designated a portion of his estate for the creation of a scholarship at South Dakota State University, in honor of his mother, Dorothy Aaberg Kennedy. This gift creates the fund and pays tribute to his mothers love of horses. Recipients will be students who are members of the Rodeo Team and preferably also taking courses in equine studies in the Department of Animal Science. First preference will be given to students from Philip, SD. Second preference will be given to students from the Western Region of South Dakota. The recipient will be selected by the rodeo team coach.
Bonnie Korkow Memorial "Top Hand Scholarship" - +/- $1500
The Bonnie Korkow Memorial Top Hand Scholarship is donated by 4 time CNFR Bareback Riding qualifier and SDSU Rodeo 2015 alum Nick Schwedhelm, and the Craig Korkow Family in memory of Bonnie Korkow. This scholarship will be awarded to a SDSU competing team member based on cumulative GPA and total points from the previous college rodeo season. It will be open to both the SDSU men's and SDSU women's teams to be put toward the following year's NIRA entry fees and travel expenses. The recipient must be NIRA eligible and a returning team member for the SDSU Rodeo Team. As in all SDSU Rodeo scholarships, half will be awarded in the Fall semester and the second half will be awarded in the Spring semester.
Jim and Reyna Martin "New Team Member Scholarships" $2000 x 2
Jim and Reyna Martin are local to Brookings and have followed SDSU Rodeo for many years. They donate a $2000 scholarship to two incoming rodeo team members each year. This support is appreciated for helping recruit top student athletes to the SDSU Rodeo program!