Ivan Bannier, a student at Lake Region State College, has been named a 2024 New Century Transfer Scholar. This is the third time in four years that a student from the Devils Lake-based campus received this honor.
Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state. As the top scholar from North Dakota Bannier will receive a $2,250 scholarship.
“His passion for learning and commitment to service were evident in his recent project, where he successfully organized and distributed books to a local school, fostering literacy and a love for reading among young students,” said Tammy Riggin, one of the advisors for LRSC’s Phi Theta Kappa.
New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.
The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
“We congratulate Ivan for receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the AACC to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.
Ivan is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of PTK, actively participating in the organization’s initiatives, which he consistently does even though he is an online student.
“A driven and intellectually curious individual, Ivan consistently demonstrates leadership and initiative, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. We are proud to recognize his hard work and dedication to both education and community impact,” Riggin said.
Literacy projects like the one Ivan completed capture the community-service spirit of Phi Theta Kappa, said LRSC President Doug Darling.
"The Lake Region State College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter is known for its academic and community service contributions. Ivan's dedication to his studies and extracurricular service makes him an excellent recipient of this award," stated Darling.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation is the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. Since its inception in 1984, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants to support sustainable community initiatives around the world. For more information about The Coca-Cola Foundation, please visit coca-colagivingback.com.
About The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation celebrates and empowers visionary leaders who are refreshing the world. Supporting more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, it awards $3.55 million in scholarships annually through three nationally recognized programs. Learn more at coc-colascholarsfoundation.org.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.8 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.