National Scholarship Month - Rev. Cathy F. and Rick Young Endowed Scholarship

Scholarships have the power to change lives. This National Scholarship Month, the University of Dubuque is celebrating the transformative power of scholarships by sharing the stories of those impacted.

Rev. Cathy Young (MDiv'89) fondly remembers her time as a student at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. It was the late 1980s. She was a wife, mother of four, and dedicated pupil who drove Interstate 80 three days a week to attend classes for a master of divinity.

"I had a wonderful education and experience at UDTS," Cathy said. "Because of that, I want to give back as I'm able."

A love of learning was instilled in Cathy long before her call to ministry. She said she was blessed to grow up in a family that stressed, and saved for, the children's college educations. So, when Cathy received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Colorado, she had no student loan debt.

"I'm very aware that's not the case for many of our students," Cathy said. "I firmly believe that if we're blessed, it's critically important to share that blessing with others. I want to lower the cost of a college education so UD graduates can go out in the world without debilitating debt."

In 2020, Cathy and her spouse, Rick, established the Rev. Cathy F. and Rick Young Endowed Scholarship to support deserving students. The Youngs encourage people who are considering starting a scholarship to begin with annual giving to create an endowed scholarship.

"I don't have the financial resources to make huge gifts, but I do have enough to donate annually," Cathy said. "Over the years, that's added up to help a student significantly. I sometimes feel like the 'tortoise and the hare.' I'm the tortoise, but, little by little, we make amazing progress."

An email alerted Umair Behlim, a junior flight operations major from Johnston, Iowa, about the Rev. Cathy F. and Rick Young Endowed Scholarship. He was grateful to receive the scholarship, which will help reduce his student loans and contribute to his flight account for ongoing training.

"I would like the Youngs to know that students are thankful and that their efforts are making an impact whether small or big on every individual that will receive the scholarship," Umair said.

When choosing a flight school, Umair wanted one not too far from home that had an exceptional flight program. He is now on track to graduate from UD a semester early. After graduation, Umair plans to become a certified flight instructor to reach the required flight hours needed to obtain his career goal of becoming an international airline pilot.

"UD has worked really well for me," Umair said. "I am proud to be a part of the aviation program and see it grow and expand over the years."

Throughout her life, Cathy has dedicated herself to education and ministry. Cathy's connection to her alma mater is strong as she serves on the UD Board of Trustees, chairs the Advancement and External Affairs Committee, and participates in the UDTS Council of Advisors. In 2024, Cathy received the Alumna of Distinction Award at the 2024 Alumni Awards Ceremony during UD's Homecoming. In 2002, she was awarded UDTS' Herbert E. Manning Jr. Distinctive Service Award.

"I hope the students know how many of us, who they don't physically see, are surrounding them with support and encouragement," Cathy said. "I pray that the students who receive this scholarship know they're supported every step of the way throughout their time at UD. They have amazing potential and I pray UD can equip them for a wonderful future of personal fulfillment and significant contributions to our society."

Interested in learning more about investment and giving opportunities? Please visit www.dbq.edu/givingtoud/, call 563.589.3158, or email UDAdvancement@dbq.edu.