October 2, 2026
As the Greater Denfeld Foundation reflects on Armond Hauge’s 100th birthday on September 2, 2026, we are shining a light on how his transformative gift continues to pay dividends for more than 400 DHS graduates. Mr. Hauge’s generosity was rooted in a belief that investing in Denfeld students meant investing in a brighter future—one that carries the spirit of West Duluth wherever our alumni go.
For Mya Halvorson (Class of 2019), that support provided both the material backing and the moral support to pursue high-level studies focused on community, equity, and opportunity.
A Journey Rooted in Duluth
After graduating from Denfeld, Mya headed to the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Urban Studies in 2023. She then took her passion for learning even further, moving on to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
This August 2026, Mya is completing her Master of Arts in Educational Policy Studies. In a powerful full-circle moment, her master’s thesis brought her right back to her roots: conducting interviews and mapping workshops with local children in West Duluth to explore how young people understand opportunity through sports and geography.
A Connection That Crosses Distance
Higher education often takes students away from their hometowns, but Mya found that the backing of the Greater Denfeld Foundation kept her anchored to the place where it all began.
“My experiences at Denfeld and subsequently with support from the GDF through the Hauge Scholarship helped me feel connected to the Denfeld community even when I was far away while pursuing my education,” Mya reflects. “I feel very lucky that I was able to benefit from such a passionate and caring community, whose support is both moral and material.”
Driving Toward Educational Equity
With two degrees now under her belt, Mya is relocating to Minneapolis as she seeks a career that combines her expertise with her core mission: advancing equity and justice in education.
Mya’s dedication to making educational systems work better for young people reflects the very heart of Mr. Hauge’s legacy. By ensuring that financial barriers didn’t stand in her way, the Hauge Scholarship helped empower a passionate researcher and advocate who is actively working to shape the future of learning.
Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Hauge—thank you for building a bridge of support that follows our scholars wherever their hearts and minds take them.
Were you impacted by the Armond Hauge Scholarship?
Help us celebrate Mr. Hauge’s 100th birthday by sharing your own story or thank-you note! Visit our Foundation Stories Archive to connect with us and read more Hunter alumni features.