Danielle (Dani) Girtz of Becker is one of 10 incoming freshmen to receive scholarship distributions from Bobcat Company, headquartered in North Dakota.
In January, Doosan and its subsidiary, Bobcat Company, committed $3 million to start a scholarship program for NDSU students studying areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The state of North Dakota matched the donation, adding $1.5 million — making the combined gift of $4.5 million the single largest gift to establish a scholarship endowment in NDSU history.
Prior to a press conference announcing the gift, the formal agreement was signed by NDSU President Dean Bresciani and Doosan Group Chairman YM Park. Scott Park, president and CEO of Doosan Infracore Bobcat Holdings Co., Ltd.; and Rich Goldsbury, president of Doosan and Bobcat Company, North America and Oceania, were also present. Chairman YM Park traveled to Fargo for the ceremonial signing from Seoul, South Korea. YM Park is also chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
When fully funded, the endowment will distribute approximately $180,000 in scholarships per year in perpetuity, benefiting countless students and their families.
The initial scholarship distribution will award $2,000 to 10 students. Scholarship recipients and their declared majors are:
• Danielle Girtz, Becker, MN; industrial engineering and management;
• Calvin Aichele, Beulah, ND; agricultural and biosystems engineering;
• Jack Baker, Kasson, MN; computer science;
• Alex Johnson, Circle Pines, MN; mechanical engineering;
• Jackson Kimball, Osage, MN; computer science;
• Samuel Pasco, Hutchinson, MN; mechanical engineering;
• Amber Pliscott, Osceola, WI; electrical engineering;
• Justin Sawatzke, Annandale, MN; computer science;
• Makala Simon, Saint Augusta, MN; civil engineering;
• Alexander Tostenson, Perham, MN; mechanical engineering.
STEM areas are important to Bobcat and Doosan community involvement initiatives because they help generate community growth, and they fuel innovation, which is the very foundation of Bobcat Company and Doosan. These educational and research areas are key to the company’s continued growth and success.
“This endowment will help students fulfill their aspirations in engineering and other innovation-related professions,” said Goldsbury. “They may end up working for Doosan and Bobcat Company, but even if they stay and put their talents to work at other companies in the state or region, it’s a benefit to our communities.”
Bobcat and Doosan have expanded their STEM education support at all levels — elementary, middle school, high school and college — through in-class participation, production facility tours/field trips, grants and other scholarship programs.
The current Doosan and Bobcat gift, paired with the state-matched funds, is the result of the Education Challenge Fund, a “two-for-one” scholarship match program approved by the North Dakota State Legislature in 2013.
Girtz was an integral part of the Becker High School robotics team — a team that in 2013 won their regional, the MSHSL Tournament and qualified for the World Championships; all in their first year.
They were state runners-up the next season (2-14). She also was a part of the National Honor Society, student council and a senior leader.
Danielle is the daughter of Russ and Kelley Girtz of Becker.
