Contact: Katryn Conlin, Director of Communications
651-385-6364 | kconlin@southeastmn.edu
Scott Carlson and Katharine Miller establish Golden Gate Bridge Scholarship Fund at Minnesota State College Southeast with $300,000 commitment
Winona, MN (April 15, 2025) - Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation announced today the establishment of the Golden Gate Bridge Scholarship Fund by Scott Carlson and Katharine Miller, who have pledged a total of $300,000 to the college.
Beginning in 2025, they will make an annual donation of $30,000 for the next 10 years. The entire amount will be used to fund Golden Gate Bridge Scholarships, awarding $1,500 scholarships to 20 Southeast students each year.
"We recognize that, among people in all lines of work and from all backgrounds, hard work and persistence merit respect and reward," said Scott Carlson. "Toward that end, a Golden Gate Bridge Scholarship is meant to be a small step in bridging divides that have come to separate Americans from one another - divides of opportunity, access to wealth, and geography."
To qualify for a Golden Gate Bridge Scholarship, students must be enrolled at Minnesota State College Southeast and pursuing a two-year degree. Each student will receive a $1,500 award in their first year and $1,500 in their second consecutive year of study.
"These scholarships are intended to help students complete their studies so that they may go on to make valuable, much needed contributions to their communities and country," said Katharine Miller.
The annual award may assist in the funding of tuition, books, fees or any other academic expense necessary to complete the requirements of the program. Students must take at least 6 credits each semester and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
"The Golden Gate Bridge Scholarships will directly impact the lives of our students, encouraging them to graduate from Southeast with an education that prepares them to enter a career or transfer to a university and earn a bachelor's degree," said Dr. Marsha Danielson, President of Minnesota State College Southeast.
"We're incredibly honored and grateful to Scott Carlson and Katharine Miller for establishing the Golden Gate Bridge Scholarship Fund," said Dr. Molly Schaefer, Executive Director of Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation. "This scholarship fund will open doors for hardworking students striving for a better future, and we're proud to help carry forward Scott and Kathy's inspiring vision of bridging divides and investing in the next generation."
Now living in California, Scott Carlson is originally from Houston, Minnesota; Katharine Miller is from Pennsylvania.
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About Minnesota State College Southeast
Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a community and technical college that provides a flexible, affordable, inclusive, and equitable college environment and offers a clear sense of direction to all students. College faculty and staff genuinely care about students' end goals, whether that be earning an academic award, transferring to university to complete a bachelor's degree, or attaining career skills. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of the Minnesota State system.