At Valparaiso University, we love to say that our meteorology program is one big, happy family. Our students, faculty members, and alumni have a reputation for maintaining deep, meaningful relationships – from their first weather balloon launch on the observation deck to the exciting careers they go on to pursue all over the world. From first-year students to professional meteorologists, the brown and gold roots these friends, scientists, and servant-leaders share run deep.
One legacy that branches into the stories of countless Valpo students and alumni is that of the Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Earning a spot in the program as a NOAA Hollings Scholar is one of the most prestigious meteorology scholarships an undergraduate student can receive. And, this year, six Valpo meteorology students were accepted into this highly selective program.
“We are elated to have six of our meteorology students receiving their high honor,” says Leanne Blind-Doskocil, M.S., Valpo’s staff meteorologist – who was once in the NOAA Hollings Scholar program herself. “Having one scholar a year is great. Having six is rare!”
The two-year program provides its scholars with a generous academic award – up to $9,500 per year – for two years of full-time study, as well as an intensive 10-week, full-time, paid ($700 per week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer between the first and second years. The internship is hands-on, immersive, and designed to fully integrate students into the world of oceanic and atmospheric science.
“Students also receive support to attend two conferences and the annual Science and Education Symposium, where all of the Hollings Scholars meet in Washington, D.C., to present their summer research,” Leanne adds. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime platform to make long-lasting connections in their profession.
The goal of it all: to foster greater public understanding, stewardship, and empathy of the ocean, atmosphere, and Earth that gives us all life. This program gives undergraduate students a platform to share their research, contribute to greater environmental literacy, and prepare future public servants, educators, and researchers to lead the way in the scientific education of our planet.
We are so excited to see the incredible opportunities that await these six meteorology students who will join the roster of Valpo NOAA Hollings Scholars as part of the program’s Class of 2025–2027:
Eli Conklin ’27, Major: Meteorology
Nadiya Reininger ’27, Major: Meteorology, Minor: Geographic Information Systems
Luke Anderson ’27, Major: Meteorology, Minor: Mathematics
Kelsey Grimme ’27, Major: Meteorology, Minor: Mathematics
Lydia Purlee ’27, Major: Meteorology, Minors: Geography and Mathematics
Hailey Morse ’27, Major: Meteorology, Minor: Geography
The program will officially kick off in the new year, with the internship portion beginning this coming summer. We’re so excited to see all of the exciting opportunities these students meet, as well as hear about the critical work they’ll be diving into with NOAA.
If you’re feeling inspired, you’re not alone! Follow our Beacons’ footsteps: Learn more about the Hollings Scholarship program and Valpo’s nationally respected meteorology program at valpo.edu/meteorology.
