ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University's Department of Music has awarded scholarships from the Loren E. Lomis Music Scholarship fund for the 2026-27 academic year to three students: Kathryn Steger of Aberdeen, Emalea Nelson of Pierre and Vincent Strenge of Wyndmere, N.D.

Established in accordance with the Last Will and Testament of Loren E. Lomis, the scholarship supports full-time outstanding music majors with involvement in music ensembles as a secondary priority. Northern State University is grateful for the continued generosity of the Loren Lomis Trust Under Will, which leaves a lasting impact on the university's music program and the students it serves.

The Lomis Scholarship is one of more than 50 music scholarships available to students in Northern's School of Fine Arts. Scholarships support a wide range of students — from incoming freshmen and transfer students to upperclassmen — across music, art, and musical theatre. Awards are available for music majors and non-music majors actively engaged in the music program, with many scholarships carrying specific criteria such as instrument focus, GPA requirements or geographic preference.

Students interested in music scholarships at Northern State University do not apply directly for individual awards. Instead, scholarships are administratively awarded based on student qualifications and scholarship criteria. Incoming freshmen, transfer students and returning students may submit a Fine Arts Scholarship Application to be considered.

For a full list of available music and fine arts scholarships, visit northern.edu/academics/school-fine-arts/fine-arts-scholarships

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.