Penny Program Announces Spring 2012 Recipients

The Minnesota State University Student Association and the Penny Program Board would like to congratulate its 2012 Penny Fellowship and Scholarship winners:

Ryan Newbloom is being awarded a $5,000 Timothy J. Penny Federal Public Service Fellowship, and is pursuing an internship with a Congressional office in Washington, D.C.  Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ryan is attending Normandale Community College and eventually plans to obtain a degree in political science.

Alexandra Griffin is being awarded a $5,000 Timothy J. Penny Federal Public Service Fellowship to intern with Wisconsin Congressman Senator Ron Kind in Washington, D.C. Originally from Hillsboro, Wisconsin; Alexandra is attending Winona State University where she is pursuing a degree in public administration and political science.

Margaret Pence is being awarded a $5,000 Timothy J. Penny Federal Public Service Fellowship to intern with The Fund for American Studies in Washington, D.C. Originally from Westport, South Dakota, Margaret is attending Minnesota State University, Mankato where she is pursuing a degree in international relations and communication studies.

Kayla Winstrom is being awarded a $1,500 Barbara J. Penny Community Service Scholarship for her lifelong dedication to volunteerism, including her current work with Student Ambassadors and Health Peers Reaching Out. Originally from Osceola, Wisconsin, Kayla is attending Minnesota State University, Mankato where she is pursuing a degree in dental hygiene.

Kao Xing is being awarded a $1,500 Barbara J. Penny Community Service Scholarship for his leadership in community service including his mentorship work with the AmeriCorps and Picture My Neighborhood Program. Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, Kao is attending Winona State University, where he is pursuing a degree in mathematics and math education.

Nikki Sabby, MSUSA Vice-Chair and Co-Chair of the Penny Program Board, believes “The Penny Program awarded exceptional students this spring who will be taking part in great internships.  Each of them has already been really active on campus and within their communities where they've made positive changes.”

The Penny Program is named in honor of former Congressman and member of MSUSA, Tim Penny, and in memory of his wife, Barb Penny.  The program awards Minnesota state college and university students who participate in public service internships and show a commitment to community service. Since 1987, The Penny Program has awarded approximately $200,000 to students.