Gratitude Sparks Support

We value supporters such as Victoria Hanan Roller '67, who is making a difference through the scholarship she created to help UNI students like Mary Kluesner (above, left) study abroad.

Growing up in Keokuk, some of Victoria Hanan Roller's favorite teachers, both elementary and secondary, had graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI). Those teachers' positive and enthusiastic remarks about ISTC made it her choice when selecting an undergraduate college.

From her year of entering, 1963, until the year of graduation, 1967, UNI was the State College of Iowa, a unique period in the university's history. But the values and reputation of excellence in teacher training did not change.

As she approaches her Golden Graduate reunion in October, she is anxious to see classmates and perhaps some professors again.

"It is their friendship, support and encouragements, even over these many years, that have become my very best memories of UNI," Victoria says. "We acquired knowledge in our chosen professional path, greatly improved skills in our degree area of physical education, gained confidence with humility and were introduced to a wider world view."

After teaching for 11 years, she entered graduate studies in Canada, receiving a master of divinity degree, then pastored three churches over 20 years.

"All of the teaching methods, speaking skills and interpersonal relations used in an educational setting are utilized in ministry. I have always been extremely thankful for my UNI education," she says.

After retiring, Victoria began supporting UNI students by establishing a study abroad scholarship, believing that international experience is a key means toward world understanding and peace. Travel, especially with studies abroad, opens minds and hearts in an unmatched way. Victoria has named the UNI Foundation as a beneficiary of retirement funds to continue the Rev. Victoria A. Roller Study Abroad Scholarship in the future.

"As I have also learned, we do not need to be wealthy to make a difference in the learnings of lives of UNI students by our gifts," she says.