David Holmberg Establishes Science Scholarship for Female Students

David with scholarship recipients, Maggie Durdan (’19) and Audrey Miller (’19)

David Holmberg (’72) grew up on a small farm outside Kieler, Wis., directly across the Mississippi River from Dubuque’s Eagle Point Park. “With four siblings, financial resources were very limited,” he says. “However, my parents instilled in me an appreciation of family, our Catholic faith, community and ethical living—encouraging me to pursue my dreams with passion, minimizing the importance of materialistic possessions and emphasizing giving back as the basis of true happiness.”

These early lessons were also reinforced by the dedicated faculty at Loras College. “I was always challenged to pursue excellence, and not fear failure, by instructors such as Dr. Bamrick (’53), Dr. Cawley and Monsignor Schulte (’22),” he says. “They and other faculty guided my liberal arts journey, preparing me well both academically and personally for graduate school and later life.”

While earning a degree in biology, David lived at home and worked the evening shift at Dubuque Packing Company. After graduating from Loras, he received a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Chemistry and Technology from the University of Wisconsin and, during his 50-year career, held a variety of EHS (environmental/health/safety) manager and director-level positions, primarily in the steel-making industry.

Throughout his career, David became aware that women were significantly underrepresented in the science fields. Recognizing an opportunity to help, David established the David J. Holmberg Science Scholarship. This endowed scholarship was created to support female students majoring in any of the STEM disciplines. “It is my hope that this scholarship can provide some incentive and assistance to those who endeavor to enter these technologically advanced fields. Investing in young women is critical to the future of world innovation, advancement and growth,” says David.

For David, the scholarship establishment process was seamless and allows him to make recurring donations to the fund. “While I have worked very hard my entire life, I also realize I have been very blessed. When I entrust my limited resources to Loras, I fully expect the College to be a prudent steward of those resources—managing them with integrity and transparency. In my opinion, Loras College not only meets, but exceeds that standard,” he says.

Now retired, David lives in Riverdale, IL, and has finished the Boston Marathon six times, holds a black belt in karate and is a 150+ pint blood donor. “Donating to Loras College, whether to a general fund, a specific project or a scholarship fund, is such a meaningful and much appreciated way to ‘pay it forward.’ Many students today face challenges, especially financial, that I never had to face as a student,” says David. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to transform and positively impact a young person’s life. Support a Duhawk today!”