September 28, 2026
As we reflect on September 2nd, what would have been the 100th birthday of Armond Hauge, the Greater Denfeld Foundation’s largest benefactor, we are honoring the incredible paths forged by the 400+ Denfeld High School alumni thanks to his vision and generosity.
Today, we are proud to spotlight Adrianna Hudyma, a 2019 Denfeld graduate who leveraged the support of the Hauge Scholarship to immerse herself in scientific research, leading all the way to a PhD program and a prestigious fellowship with NASA.
Laying the Foundation for Research
For students aiming for advanced scientific degrees, gaining hands-on laboratory experience early on is vital. However, balancing rigorous coursework with unpaid research positions can present a major financial hurdle.
For Adrianna, the Hauge Scholarship removed that barrier, giving her the freedom to pursue the hands-on opportunities that defined her undergraduate career.
“With a reduced financial burden, I was able to pursue unpaid undergraduate research. That experience resulted in me being able to secure a paid summer undergraduate researcher position at the University of California- Berkeley.”
Adrianna attended Lawrence University, where her dedication to her studies earned her a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Reaching for the Stars
The combination of mentorship, teaching, and lab experience at Lawrence and UC Berkeley ignited a deep passion for scientific discovery and provided the competitive edge needed for high-level graduate studies.
“The combination of these experiences ignited a passion for biochemistry research and gave me the experience I needed to be competitive for PhD programs,”
Today, Adrianna is a PhD Candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota and has been selected as a NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Fellow, contributing to research that supports the future of space exploration.
Are You a Hauge Scholar? Share Your Story!
Armond Hauge’s lifelong dedication to saving and giving back created opportunities that continue to push Denfeld alumni to incredible heights. As we celebrate his 100th birthday milestone, we want to hear how his generosity helped launch your own journey!
If you or someone you know was awarded a Hauge Scholarship, please take a moment to fill out our Hauge Scholarship Reconnect Form and share your story with us.