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Alton Carl Wolfer Memorial Scholarship Fund

Fund Background: The fund was established in 1999 in loving memory of Alton Wolfer by his wife Haidako. Mr. Wolfer passed away on August 27, 1999 after a valiant, 10-year battle with cancer.

Al was born in Linton, ND and raised in Bismarck. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1955. He excelled at sports and academics. He later joined the US Navy. He served in Key West, Florida and Tapei, Taiwan, where he met and married his life-partner and soul mate, Haidako, in 1960.

Upon leaving the Navy, Al graduated from Bismarck Junior College, where he served as student body president and then went on to NDSU to earn his B.S. in 1964. He taught social studies and coached football at Bismarck High School from 1964-67. Next, he took his young family which now included three daughters, Deb, Daphne, and Carmen, to Logan, Utah to earn his M.S. in Social Science at Utah State University. In 1968 they moved to St. Cloud, where he joined the faculty at St. Cloud State University.

During his 31 years at SCSU, he helped found the Tri-College East Asian Studies Program and served as chairperson of the Interdisciplinary Studies Department. He and Haidako spent much time abroad studying and teaching. He earned a Doctorate of Education in Teaching from the University of North Dakota in 1980.

Eligibility Requirements: Bismarck High Students may apply for the scholarship. Preference will be given to students who are the first in their family to pursue a college education, and who have demonstrated high moral character, leadership qualities, and an interest in world affairs. Students must have maintained at least a 3.00 average on a 4.00 = “A” scale.

Applications accepted January 1 - April 1 only. Applications received outside of this window will NOT be accepted.

Return completed application to:

Guidance Counselor, Bismarck High School, 800 N 8th St., Bismarck, ND  58501

Download application form (PDF)