University announces Harter Scholars

Baldwin City, Kan. — Baker University has selected two Kansas high school seniors as recipients of the 2015 Harter Scholarships, the university’s most prestigious academic scholarships.

Allyson Hertig, a senior from Lawrence Free State High School, and Emily Riggs, a senior from Emporia High School, were awarded the scholarships.

As Harter Scholars, the students will receive full tuition for four years at Baker’s Baldwin City campus and will have the opportunity to spend a semester of study abroad at Harlaxton College in England.

To be considered for the Harter, students must meet one of the following guidelines, a GPA of at least 3.9 and ACT score of 29 or higher, or a ranking in the top 1 percent of their graduating class and at least a 27 ACT. To retain the scholarship, winners must maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA, plus earn a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.

“Allyson and Emily are two outstanding, well-rounded individuals,” said Kevin Kropf, senior director of admissions at Baker. “They exemplify the mission of the Harter Scholar and will continue to thrive as students at Baker University.”

Hertig, ranked No. 1 in her class, is interested in biology, business or psychology and will also play soccer.

Riggs is interested in international business, Spanish and studying abroad. She is ranked in the top 5 of her class.
A generous gift from the estate of Edward and Sylvia Harter of Bryan, Texas, covers the scholarship. The $2.7 million gift, in the form of a trust fund, still honors the Harters today. Graduates of Missouri Wesleyan College in Cameron, Mo., the husband and wife wanted to contribute to Baker after the university maintained Missouri Wesleyan’s records and held alumni reunions after the college closed in 1930.