By Edward Lynn
Editor
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Treasurer Roby Smith is urging students across the state to apply for the Robert D. Blue Scholarship—an award with deep ties to Eagle Grove, both through the governor who founded the fund and a local student whose legacy continues to inspire its purpose.
“Last year, we awarded $8,500 to seven outstanding students,” said Treasurer Smith. “I encourage all Iowans with a student in their life to push them to apply for this scholarship because this year, it might be a student you know.”
The scholarship is funded by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, which was established in 1949 by then-Governor Robert D. Blue to commemorate Iowa’s 100th anniversary of statehood. The foundation created the scholarship to encourage Iowa students to pursue higher education within the state.
In 1990, the scholarship was formally named in honor of Blue, an Eagle Grove native who rose to be a local lawyer after serving in World War I, then became the Wright County Attorney, and then Eagle Grove’s City Attorney. Blue then moved into statewide leadership, first being elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1934, and was reelected four times. In his final term he served as the Speaker of the Iowa House. In 1942 he was elected to be Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor, before being elected the 30th Governor of Iowa in 1944, and then reelected once in 1946. Prior to his death of a stroke in Fort Dodge Iowa on December 14, 1989, the Eagle Grove Middle school was named for him.
But Eagle Grove’s connection to the scholarship doesn’t end there. Decades later, another resident of Eagle Grove came to embody the very ideals the scholarship seeks to honor. Aaron Eilerts, who was a student at the school named in Blue’s honor, was known for his volunteer spirit and commitment to helping others. But tragically, he died in 2008 when a tornado struck the Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp. Despite his young age, Aaron had already touched many lives through his service, and his legacy continues to do so today.
Former Governor Chet Culver highlighted Eilerts as a role model for Iowa students seeking the scholarship, saying at the time, “Aaron Eilerts exemplifies the type of applicant we are seeking.” Culver also designated Eilerts’ birthday, February 24th, as Aaron Eilerts Day, an official holiday in Iowa.
The Robert D. Blue Scholarship is open to Iowa high school seniors and former graduates who plan to attend a college or university in Iowa. Awards are based on financial need, academic achievement, letters of recommendation, and an original essay. Applications must be submitted online at rdblue.org by May 10.
