Debra Lynn Bray Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria:

Recipients shall represent and demonstrate the high ideals of the Mission, Vision, and Values of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Awards are based on outstanding Christian character and demonstrated financial need.

Scholarship Story:

The Debra Lynn Bray Memorial Scholarship was established in 2003 by Clarion and Donna Winzenburg in loving memory of their daughter, Debra Lynn Bray. Created to the glory of the Lord, this scholarship reflects a family's deep faith and their desire to invest in the lives of students who demonstrate outstanding Christian character and financial need.

Clarion and Donna are known for their commitment to faith, family, and serving others. Clarion spent much of his life working hard to provide for his family and support his community. Over the years, he worked at Rath Packing and John Deere, farmed in northeast Iowa, and owned several Farm & Home businesses. He was also an active member of civic and church organizations and cared deeply about strengthening the communities in which he lived.

Faith remained a central part of Clarion and Donna's lives throughout their marriage. When celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in 2022, they expressed gratitude for God's faithfulness and the blessing of having four children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Their desire to establish this scholarship grew from those same values of gratitude, service, and Christian stewardship.

The Debra Lynn Bray Memorial Scholarship was created to help students pursue a Christ-centered education while honoring Debra's memory. By supporting students of strong Christian character who may face financial challenges, the Winzenburg family has chosen to transform personal loss into an enduring source of encouragement and opportunity for future generations. Each recipient becomes part of that legacy. The scholarship stands as a reminder that faith, generosity, and love can continue to impact others for years to come. We hope that students who benefit from this scholarship will grow in their faith, pursue their calling with confidence, and use their education to serve God and others.