Denise Dworakoski knows how deeply passionate her spouse, Peh Ng, is about higher education. Ng has been a faculty member at UMN Morris since 1995 teaching mathematics. She has also served as the chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics and as the interim dean and vice chancellor for academic affairs. For Ng's birthday one year, Dworakoski decided to establish a scholarship in her honor.
“Every year for her birthday, I would struggle finding the right gift that she would appreciate,” says Dworakoski. “Establishing this scholarship as a birthday gift to her was definitely a home run for me.” She adds, “[A]n established scholarship seemed a wonderful way to mark her legacy at UMN Morris.”
The Dr. Peh Ng and Denise Dworakoski Scholarship is awarded to a student who is pursuing a major in the Division of Science and Mathematics. Dworakoski likes that this gift is sustainable and will provide more opportunities for students earning their degree at UMN Morris.
“[It] aligned well with our values on education, giving and philanthropy.”
Dworakoski and Ng both feel strongly that the liberal arts education they earned should be accessible and affordable to all students. And as a first-generation college graduate, Dworakoski recognizes the unique challenges that come with obtaining a college degree.
“It takes a village in bringing up our next generation,” says Dworakoski. “Having a scholarship that can help several in the coming years is exciting …”