PERHAM — Crisavy Seeman, a 2021 Perham High School graduate, was selected as one of two recipients of the Barry Scholarship: an award given by the Concordia College Offutt School of Business. The scholarship covers two years of tuition in addition to giving Seeman the opportunity to research a topic of her choice alongside professors and professional staff.
It was a multi-stage selection process in which applicants were chosen based on their essay submissions answering, “How will the workplace change by 2023?” After being selected, finalists were matched with a mentor and given a month to develop and prepare their research project proposal. The final stage of the selection process was a 10-minute presentation given to the Barry Selection Committee.
Seeman's topic is called "Reviving the R's” — inspired by the three R’s of sustainability — but focusing less on recycling and instead on reducing and reusing. The goal of the project initiative is to reduce overconsumption and waste production in the Fargo-Moorhead area. The first year will be research-based and the following year will be more action-based. She is hoping to collaborate with Fargo-Moorhead community figures such as Dr. Ken Foster (Resilient Moorhead) and Derrick LaPoint (president of Downtown Moorhead Incorporated) to implement new practices and host engaging events.
When reflecting on the award, Seeman said, “I am incredibly grateful to be selected for this opportunity and look forward to researching a topic that I am passionate about. It was a very stressful process getting to this point — with multiple obstacles and mental battles in my path. I certainly wouldn't have made it without the support of my family, friends, advisor Bree Langemo and most importantly — God. All glory goes to Him for He knows the plans in store for me.”
Seeman will be a junior at Concordia this fall majoring in business marketing with two minors: data analytics and art and design. She is looking forward to studying abroad for a semester in New Zealand next spring, where she will be able to continue researching global initiatives regarding overconsumption.
