When Immanuel residents see potential in a young person, they don't just cheer them on, they help make the next step possible. In May, residents across eight Immanuel communities awarded a record-breaking $379,400 in scholarships to 94 student employees. This was the largest amount in the history of the Resident Scholarship Program. The scholarships reflect more than financial support; they represent the encouragement, relationships and belief in the next generation that have become a hallmark of life at Immanuel.
The 2026 recipients include 53 college students and 41 high school students, each receiving funds to help cover tuition and other education-related expenses. The scholarship amounts ranged from $550 to $20,600. The largest individual scholarship – $20,600 – was awarded to student Madeline Caldwell, a server at Lakeside. Madeline is attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall.
Funded entirely by residents, the Resident Scholarship Program is a unique example of how retirement living communities can make a lasting impact. These scholarships not only provide financial support, but also reflect the strong relationships formed between residents and the young people who work alongside them.
“One of the things I love most about this program is that the residents know these students. They've watched them grow in confidence, balance school and work responsibilities, and show up for others day after day,” said Emily Tonniges, Executive Director of Immanuel Foundations. “When residents choose to fund these scholarships, they're not just helping pay for an education, they're investing in young people they genuinely believe in and want to see succeed.”
The Resident Scholarship Program continues to expand, strengthening the bonds between residents and student employees and demonstrating the lasting impact of investing in the next generation.
Student scholarship recipients include:
Lakeside (pictured at top): Linsey Adams, Isacc Ash, Daniel Bender, Cole Brammer, Madeline Caldwell, Ella Christensen, Carmella Cooper, Ella Diedrichsen, Estelle Glock, Nakala Goblirsch, Kailynn Horeis, Laci Kaffenberger, Cambell Keber, Carter McInelly, Ciana Prince, Lily Schalbrack, Elise Whalen, and Makensie Zeitner.
Deerfield: Nathan Agocs, Ryan Austin, Hayden Beyer, Blessing Blidi, Gorpu Bokey, Uryna Gbayee, Mahriah Grismore, Samiah Hayslett, Sorayah Jean Baptiste, Brianna Jones, Cecilia Martins, Samra Muratagic, Josetta White, Ariel Wood, and Larvetta Zoeduah.
Grand Lodge: Vanessa Barifagok, Gabriel Buggi, George Campbell, Zoe Campbell, Isabella Dobson, Charlie Everman, Gavin Foust, Londyn Green, Sidney Hilsabeck, Elaine Ho, Khoi Le, Vivian Le, Alexandra Meyer, Elaine Suh, Elliott Suh, and Kalena Tran.
Immanuel Courtyard: Molly Duncan
Immanuel Village: Jayden Diggins, and Michael Green.
The Landing: Martina Bascom, Presaiah Correa, Bella Croghan, Arianna Dillingham, Graham Dobson, Joshua Dozler, Jordan Dutton, Juliana Flores, Daylen Gore, McKenna Grass, Adyson Hansen, Josie Hilkemann, Camden Hjermstad, Maryn Hjermstad, Lilian Huegel, Andre Jones Jr., Cianna Jones, Taylor Jones, Sailor Kramer, Molly Kutilek, Addison Meens, Addison Morgan, Violet Nelms, Emily Nelson, Macie Sailores, Shee Say, Anna Simon, Allie Vligier, Sage Williams, and Preston Wrightsman.
Trinity Village: Destiny Anstey, Elaina Delwiche, Isabella Hoke, Brenna Petersen, and Joshua Zuerlein.
Yankee Hill Village: Chase Bergstrom, Jada Billesbach, Connor Boyle, Nicholas Dinger, Wyatt Grummert, Owen Scheer, and Bailey Zoucha.