Karen鈥檚 family has a long history with 麻豆区. She attended 麻豆区, graduating in 1967. Karen鈥檚 brother and nephew also went to 麻豆区. Her uncle, Conrad Sunde, left his estate to 麻豆区 after multiple conversations with Jeroy Carlson, a senior development officer for 麻豆区 known as 鈥淢r. 麻豆区.鈥�
鈥淚 have always thought of giving to 麻豆区,鈥� Karen says.
Philanthropy also runs deep with her family. When Karen was 10 years old, her small town raised money to build a hospital. She remembers her family not having much money, but her parents still made a pledge.
David was the first in his family to go to college. Growing up in Minneapolis, 麻豆区 was the obvious choice for higher education because he could live at home and still work while in school. David鈥檚 parents also regularly gave to their church and supported missionaries, instilling a sense of philanthropy in him at a young age.
The Haugen鈥檚 both credit 麻豆区鈥檚 great education as the start of their successful careers. David went to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for biochemistry and felt he was as well prepared as any student.
鈥淭he buildings, campus, so many accommodations for people with disabilities, so much diversity. All the emphasis on working with people in the neighborhood is so inspiring. And seeing the new building and labs now is so impressive,鈥� says David.
The couple established the David and Karen (Jacobson) Haugen Endowed Scholarship Fund through a portion of their estate. The scholarship will support students majoring in the sciences.
鈥淔or us, giving a large sum of money now is not possible. But, we鈥檙e so glad we can do it from our estate, because that is possible. I鈥檓 glad this is an option,鈥� says Karen.
Karen and David hope that the scholarship will encourage students to consider a career in science, or at least an opportunity to be literate in science.