NEWS ARTICLE
May 15, 2012
Western National Insurance Group Announces 2012 Scholarship Recipients
(Minneapolis, Minn.) Western National Insurance Group today announced that its scholarship committee has selected six applicants to receive merit-based college scholarships worth $3,000 each for the upcoming fall term: Madison Densmore (Ankeny, Iowa), Tanner Friedrich (Waconia, Minn.), Kevin McLachlan (Wauwatosa, Wis.), Margaret Sandvig (Lakeville, Minn.), Michaela Waidelich (Antigo, Wis.), and Andrew Wilson (Eldridge, Iowa).
Madison Densmore, daughter of Mark and Beth Densmore, will be a sophomore this year at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo. studying Creative Writing, Theatre, and French. Madison is a 2011 graduate of Ankeny High School. At Truman State, she has been an active member of the Drama Club, Omicron Delta Kappa (Truman State’s Honor Society), and the varsity soccer team. She has also volunteered in support of International students and represented the Truman State University English Department at a conference in Illinois.
Madison’s father, Mark, is a Western National agency partner at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in West Des Moines, Iowa.
Tanner Friedrich, son of Lana and Mike Friedrich, will be a sophomore this year at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. studying Business. Tanner is a 2011 graduate of Waconia High School. In school, he has been part of National Honor Society, the basketball team, Conservation Club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. He has also been active in his church and the community, including volunteering at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home.
Tanner’s mother, Lana, is an employee in the Claims Department at Western National Mutual Insurance Company in Edina, Minn.
Kevin McLachlan, son of Anthony and Molly McLachlan, will be a freshman this year at the University of Wisconsin – Madison studying Engineering. Kevin is a 2012 graduate of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. In school, he has been an active member of the Celtic Club, several high school sports teams, and he has managed and lead a retreat for freshman students. Outside of school, he has been active in his church, volunteered at Ronald McDonald House Charities, and tutored and mentored inner city elementary students as well as seventh and eighth grade students.
Kevin’s mother, Molly, is a Western National agency partner at Security Insurance Services, Inc in New Berlin, Wis.
Margaret Sandvig, daughter of John and Ronnie Sandvig, will be a freshman this year at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn. studying Broadcast Journalism. Margaret is a 2012 graduate of Lakeville North High School. In school, she has been active in National Honor Society, hockey, and softball. She has also been active in her church, taught Sunday School, coached youth softball, and volunteered at her local YMCA.
Margaret’s father, John, is an employee in the Claims Department of Western National Mutual Insurance Company in Edina, Minn.
Michaela Waidelich, daughter of Thomas and Lisa Waidelich, will be a freshman this year in a cooperative nursing program between the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and Bellin College. Michaela is a 2012 graduate of Antigo High School. In school, she has been an active member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Homecoming Committee, Spanish Club, and Safe School Ambassadors program.
Michaela’s father, Thomas, is a Western National agency partner at The Insurance Center in Antigo, Wis.
Andrew Wilson, son of Matt and Lynette Wilson, will be a freshman this year at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. studying Theology. Andrew is a 2012 graduate of North Scott High School in Eldridge, Iowa. In school, he was active in National Honor Society, Cross Country, Track, Marching Band, and Jazz Band. He was also a tutor and mentor, parish council member, and member of the Speech Team.
Andrew’s father, Matt, is a Western National agency partner at Molyneaux Insurance Inc in Davenport, Iowa.
Scholarships are available annually to six eligible, college-enrolled children of Western National Insurance Group partner agents and employees. Applications were blindly scored.
“It is very gratifying to be able to award these scholarships to such a talented and accomplished group of students,” said Western National president and chief executive officer Stuart Henderson. “These six young men and women have proven their continued commitment to knowledge and to leadership in the service of their communities. We wish them well, and say 'congratulations' to our ‘Class of 2012’.”
Western National Insurance Group, headquartered in Edina, Minn., is a super-regional group of nine active companies serving the property-and-casualty insurance needs of individuals, families, and businesses. The group’s products are sold exclusively through professional independent agents in 14 states in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern U.S.
For further information, please contact:
Steve Norman, AIT*
Director of Communications
(952) 921–5680 or (800) 862–6070 Ext. 7680
steven.norman@wnins.com
