2025 Fall Scholarships from the Owatonna Foundation announced.

The Owatonna Foundation recently awarded three Technical/Community College Scholarships for Returning Students and two June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarships for Women.

Since 1995, the Owatonna Foundation has awarded over 505 scholarships, totaling $764,000 for individuals preparing for technical careers. Since 2015, $55,500 has been awarded from a generous gift from the late June A. and Melanie Nelson to assist women in furthering their education.

Technical Community College Scholarship for Returning Students

● Brooke O’Neill, Riverland Community College, Austin, Radiography, $1,500, spouse Jason O’Neill

● Clara Thurnau, Riverland Community College, Austin, Radiography, $1,500, parents Kari and Trenton Thurnau

● Onelia Velazquez, Riverland Community College, Austin, Fine Arts/Art Education, $1,500

June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarship for Women

● Diana Foster, South Central College, Faribault and North Mankato, Nursing, $3,000

● Arianna Shornock, University of Northern Iowa, Accounting, $3,000, parents Amy and Shane Shornock

The next scholarship deadline for both the Technical/Community College Scholarship for Returning Students and the June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarship is June 25, 2026. All applications are available at www.owatonnafoundation.org or at the Owatonna Foundation Office (108 West Park Square, Owatonna). Questions may be directed to the Owatonna Foundation by calling 507-455-2995.