Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship

Sponsored By: Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.

In honor of former Iowa State University basketball player Brian Pearson, who died of brain cancer in the fall of 1997, the Iowa Games began awarding the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship in 1998.

Pearson knew the meaning of hard work and recognized the rewards of commitment. He valued the relationships he had with his family, friends, neighbors and teammates. People who were fortunate enough to know Brian use words like integrity, honesty and courtesy to describe his life.

The intent of the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship is to recognize three individuals every year: two outstanding athletes involved with the Iowa Games (one male and one female), and through that process, Brian Pearson.

One $1,000 scholarship annually will be awarded to one male and one female Iowan. Throughout the selection process, the degree of participation in the Iowa Games will be given consideration, as well as the applicant’s display of character.

Citizenship, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, perseverance and sportsmanship are just a few of the values on which this award is based.

Eligible recipients for the 2013 scholarship are those students who will be in their junior year of high school during the 2012-13 school year. The award must be used in pursuit of post high school education. Winners will be invited to attend and participate at the Summer Iowa Games Opening Ceremony in Ames on July 19, 2013.  

Below are the applications (without essay's or letters of recommendations) of the 2012 winners.  Both should be proud of all their hard work and we hope to see just as strong applications in the years to come!!

2012 Male Winner Application

2012 Female Winner Application

Brian Pearson scholarship history

Year Recipient  Hometown  College/University 
2012 Ann Ku
Nolan Dickson
Ames
Ames 
 
2011 Kaytlin Tippin
Isaac Olson 
Waukee
Urbandale
Truman State University
University of Central Oklahoma 
2010 Tara Gray
Kevin Anderson 
Toledo
Gilbert 
Kirkwood Community College
DMACC
2009 Ann Hoover
Tom Hosfield 
Nevada
Mount Ayr 
Drake University
University of Northern Iowa 
2008 Shea Kruger
Marley Dobyns
Miles Greenwald
Joshua Lenz 
Grafton
Ames
Ames
Gilbert 
Wartburg College
Iowa State University
Wheaton College
Morningside College 
2007 Stephanie Mundt
Benjamin Skelley 
Urbandale
Wilton 
University of Arizona
Marshalltown Community College 
2006 Jessica Frerichs
Brenden George 
Ames
Rockwell City 
Iowa State University
Coe College 
2005 Andrew Dau
Hallie Satre
Kristin Iehl 
Primghar
Dayton
Cedar Falls 
Simpson College
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa 
2004 Shannon Neubauer
Joe Smeins 
Washington
Audubon 
Creighton University
University of Northern Iowa
2003 Sara Best
Trent Miner 
Perry
Eldridge 
Upper Iowa
University of Iowa 
2002 Scottie Braden
Jessica Gerhart
Andrew George 
Eldridge
Bancroft
Rockwell City 
Loras College
University of Nebraska
Coe College 
2001  Mark Boehm
Beth Michael 
Ogden
Marshalltown 
Waldorf College
Western Illinois University 
2000  Ryan Borts
Jill Kestel
Laura Kriegel 
Colfax
Storm Lake
Grinnell 
Cabrillo College
Creighton University
University of Northern Iowa 
1999  Stephanie Roepke
Michael Sudmeier 
Aurora
Dubuque 
Iowa State University
University of Iowa 
1998  Matt Birkenholz
Krista VanHauen 
Newton
Grundy Center 
Luther College
Waldorf College 

This project was made possible by a grant from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., The Skinner Foundation, Johnny & Romie Orr and Ron & Margaret Kenyon.


apply today

For more information or to receive a scholarship application, students should either:

  • Click on the application below
  • Contact their high school guidance counselor
  • Call the Iowa Games office (toll-free) at 1-888-777-8881 or
  • E-mail the Iowa Games at info@iowasportsfoundation.org.

Those interested in the scholarship also may write: Iowa Games, 1421 S Bell Ave. #104, Ames, IA 50010.

Click here to download a scholarship application.