September 4, 2026
On September 2, 1926, the GDF’s largest benefactor, Armond Hauge, was born. Since the creation of his scholarship, his generosity has helped support the education of 403 Denfeld High School graduates.
As we approach what would be Mr. Hauge’s 100th birthday, we are taking time to celebrate the real-world impact of his gift by sharing “thank you notes” from the scholars whose journeys he helped launch like scholar Nicholas Bonn-Miller (Class of 2020).
A Foundation Built to Last
When Nicholas graduated from Denfeld in 2020, he knew he had a long road ahead to pursue his passion for engineering. He began his studies with a two-year Associate of Science degree at Itasca Community College before transferring to Michigan Technological University, where he spent two and a half years earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
Today, Nicholas is putting his skills to work as an engineer for Minnesota Power at the Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset, MN. He also just passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the vital first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer.
Lifting the Financial Weight
Engineering coursework demands rigorous focus, but receiving the Armond Hauge Scholarship gave Nicholas the mental and financial bandwidth to succeed.
“Whenever the check for the scholarship came in the mail at the beginning of every semester, it was a huge weight off my chest,” Nicholas recalls. “I didn’t need to stack endless hours of extra work on top of countless hours of schoolwork. It allowed me to have a much less stressful journey through college.”
Because of Mr. Hauge’s foresight and generosity, Nicholas avoided high-interest student loans throughout his college years, allowing him to focus on building a career that directly impacts Minnesota communities today.
The Gift of Possibility
The financial freedom made possible by the Hauge Scholarship didn’t just ease Nicholas’s college years, it gave him room to dream bigger after graduation.
With a significantly lower debt burden, Nicholas was able to take six months off after completing his degree to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). He and his now-wife hiked 1,400 miles over three months through some of the country’s most breathtaking terrain before weather conditions led them to turn the rest of their trip into an unforgettable road trip along the West Coast.
A Living Legacy
Armond Hauge’s commitment to saving and giving back was never just about numbers, it was about giving Denfeld students the freedom to build bright, open futures. Nicholas Bonn-Miller’s story is a shining example of how 100 years of legacy can power the next generation of engineers, adventurers, and community leaders.
Are you a recipient or supporter of an Armond Hauge Scholarship? Help us celebrate Mr. Hauge’s 100th birthday by sharing your own story or thank you note! Or visit our Foundation Stories Archive to connect with us and read more about our incredible Hunter alumni.