September 24, 2026
As the Greater Denfeld Foundation celebrates what would have been Armond Hauge’s 100th Birthday on September 2, we are reflecting on the incredible domino effect of his life. Mr. Hauge’s quiet discipline—saving half of every paycheck—has now helped support more than 400 Denfeld High School graduates. For 2025 alumna Lola Garcia, that legacy became the bridge between a big dream and the reality of making it happen.
Attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison had always been Lola’s ultimate goal, but as high school drew to a close, the financial reality of out-of-state tuition weighed heavily on her. Refusing to let the cost hold her back, Lola threw herself into relentless hard work long before stepping foot on campus.
“Before I knew about any of the scholarships I was going to receive, I was working three jobs to save up to pay for my dream school,” Lola recalls. “UW–Madison is not a cheap school to attend, so I knew I had to save up as much as possible to make it happen. I was looking for any cash and income to help.”
When news arrived that she had been awarded the Hauge Scholarship, the relentless weight of financial stress immediately lifted. The award didn’t just ease the tuition burden—it validated the grueling hours she had put in and gave her the freedom to step onto campus confident, secure, and focused on her education.
“Receiving the Hauge Scholarship gave me the opportunity to go to my dream school and study the exact major I wanted to. It allowed me to save more money, focus on my studies rather than working, and gave me a sense of security while focusing on the present. I took pride in the time and effort that went into making this happen, and I know it made my family proud.”
Today, Lola is thriving in Madison. By carrying heavy course loads, she has already achieved junior standing as a Human Development and Family Studies major in just her second year. During her summers, she returns to Duluth to work full-time between two jobs, while making time to spend time with friends.
The true impact of Mr. Hauge’s gift hit home again for Lola this summer when she paid for extra coursework out-of-pocket. Looking back at how much the Hauge Scholarship lightened the load during the regular school year served as a powerful reminder of how much easier her academic path has been thanks to a donor who believed in Denfeld students.
Armond Hauge’s life of frugality lives on in students like Lola—driven, determined young leaders who are turning big dreams into reality. On what would have been his 100th birthday, we celebrate Mr. Hauge’s quiet generosity and the bright futures it continues to build across our Denfeld community.
Are You a Hauge Scholar? Share Your Story!
Armond Hauge’s lifelong dedication to saving and giving back created a chain reaction of success for 403 Denfeld alumni. As we celebrate his 100th birthday milestone, we want to share your championship journey too!
If you or someone you know received a Hauge Scholarship, fill out our Hauge Scholarship Reconnect Form and let us know how it helped you tag in for success!