THE DIANE ALBERTSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Iowa Recycling Association is proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2025 Diane Albertson Memorial Scholarship.
The Diane Albertson Memorial Scholarship is offered by the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA) in memory of Diane Albertson. Diane was an employee at the Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa for over 25 years. A strong supporter of the IRA for many years, Diane represented the IWRC on the IRA Board of Directors and served as an ex-officio on the board from 2013 to 2016.
This year, the IRA is awarding (2) $1,000 scholarships in the spring to students with a demonstrated interest in environmental action, especially as related to recycling and waste reduction. Applicants must be a senior or graduate of an Iowa high school and accepted for enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applications are due May 31, 2025.
Click Here for the 2025 Diane Albertson Memorial Scholarship Application
SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS
The Iowa Recycling Association appreciates all donations to sustain this scholarship fund.
If you would like to donate, or have questions, contact us >>
Note: Donations to the Diane Albertson Memorial Scholarship Fund are tax deductible.
IN MEMORIAM
Diane Albertson was a long-time, valued member of the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA). She worked at the University of Northern Iowa's Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) for over 25 years, retiring in 2016. In her time at the IWRC, she managed client databases and provided IT support. She also served as Technical Manager for the Iowa Department of Natural Resource's Iowa Waste Exchange program, managing the database and providing technical assistance.
Diane earned two BA degrees from the University of Northern Iowa: in Management Information Systems and in Management. Additionally, she was a member of the PEO Chapter LK, Cedar Valley Singers and Quilts of Valor.
A strong supporter of the IRA for many years, Diane represented the IWRC on the IRA Board of Directors and served as an ex-officio on the board from 2013 to 2016. Diane was respected by all who knew her for her dedication and passion to preserve and protect the environment.
Diane passed away in April 2017. The Iowa Recycling Association wishes to recognize Diane's contributions to the organization and the environment by offering this scholarship in her name.
IN MEMORIAM
Diane Albertson was a long-time, valued member of the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA). She worked at the University of Northern Iowa's Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) for over 25 years, retiring in 2016. In her time at the IWRC, she managed client databases and provided IT support. She also served as Technical Manager for the Iowa Department of Natural Resource's Iowa Waste Exchange program, managing the database and providing technical assistance.
Diane earned two BA degrees from the University of Northern Iowa: in Management Information Systems and in Management. Additionally, she was a member of the PEO Chapter LK, Cedar Valley Singers and Quilts of Valor.
A strong supporter of the IRA for many years, Diane represented the IWRC on the IRA Board of Directors and served as an ex-officio on the board from 2013 to 2016. Diane was respected by all who knew her for her dedication and passion to preserve and protect the environment.
Diane passed away in April 2017. The Iowa Recycling Association wishes to recognize Diane's contributions to the organization and the environment by offering this scholarship in her name.
2023 Scholarship Recipient: Piper Cole
Piper is a 2021 graduate of Burlington Community High School and is a Junior Finance Major at Western Illinois University. Piper believes the future of recycling brims with hope, offering an opportunity to forge a sustainable world. Through personal commitment, education, innovation, and collaboration, we can pave the way for a post-COVID-19 era characterized by a circular economy, reduced waste, and enhanced environmental well-being. Congratulations, Piper! |
2022 Scholarship Recipient: Sydney Jacobs
Sydney is a 2019 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School in Bellevue and is a Senior Nursing Major at St. Ambrose University. Sydney has demonstrated her commitment to recycling and environmental improvement through various extracurricular and community service efforts throughout her high school and college years. Congratulations, Sydney! |
2021 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: Elle Olthoff
Elle graduated from Okoboji High School in 2018 and is enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa. She currently serves as the Iowa Waste Reduction Center's Marketing and Communication Intern. We appreciate your demonstrated interest in environmental action, especially as related to recycling and waste
reduction.
Congratulations, Elle!
2022 Scholarship Recipient: Sydney Jacobs
Sydney is a 2019 graduate of Marquette Catholic High School in Bellevue and is a Senior Nursing Major at St. Ambrose University. Sydney has demonstrated her commitment to recycling and environmental improvement through various extracurricular and community service efforts throughout her high school and college years. Congratulations, Sydney! |
2019 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: CARISSA MOYNA
Carissa is a 2016 Central-Elkader Community High School graduate and a senior, Civil Engineering major at Iowa State. Throughout her college career, Carissa has taken leadership roles in numerous campus initiatives tied to recycling and reuse, composting and green energy.
Following a semester-long evaluation of ISU's waste management operations for her Freshman Honors Studies, Carissa kick-started the ISU Campus Compost Team under the school's Engineers for a Sustainable World chapter where she led a compost-based landscaping initiative and contributed to ISU's Keep Iowa Beautiful program. Carissa is also a member of the Green Energy Challenge Team and has participated in "Food Waste Matters" research.
Congratulations, Carissa!
