Austin, Minn.—Cooperative Response Center, Inc. (CRC) is pleased to announce the eight recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, each awarded $1,500 for their post-secondary education costs. This year’s scholarship recipients are as follows:
Brent Dahl is a 2026 graduate of Austin High School in Austin, Minn. Dahl plans to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., to pursue a degree in physics.
Michael Garry is also a 2026 graduate of Austin High School. Garry will attend St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., to study business administration.
A 2026 graduate of Van Buren County High School in Spencer, Tenn., McKenzie Greene will attend the University of Tennessee – Knoxville to study English and library science. Greene is the daughter of Meredith Greene, dispatcher at CRC’s Dunlap, Tenn., office.
Sophia Meyer is a 2026 graduate of Austin High School. Meyer will attend South Dakota State University – Brookings to pursue a degree in data science.
Aleena Nelson is a 2026 graduate of St. Ansgar High School in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Nelson will attend the University of Iowa – Iowa City to study neuroscience and psychology. Nelson is the bonus daughter of Keri Rasmussen, member solutions & support coordinator, at CRC’s Austin office.
Another 2026 graduate of Austin High School, Addison Tobak plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison to study political science and pre-law.
A 2026 graduate of Albert Lea High School in Albert Lea, Minn., Emma Weckwerth plans to attend Hamlin University in St. Paul, Minnesota, to pursue a degree in forensics. Weckwerth is the daughter of Dan Weckwerth, network engineer at CRC’s Austin Center.
Ian Wileman is a recent graduate of Sequatchie County High School in Dunlap, Tenn. Wileman plans to earn a business degree at University of Tennessee – Chattanooga.
This is the eighteenth year CRC has offered a scholarship program, overall awarding over $150,000 to 129 graduates. In January 2026, students in the communities in which CRC has offices – Austin, Minn., Dunlap, Tenn., Abilene, Texas, and Kirksville, Mo. – were invited to apply for a 2026 CRC scholarship. The scholarship recipients were selected in May.
“Congratulations to each of our 2026 scholarship recipients,” said Brad Fjelsta, president and CEO of CRC. “Earning this recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and determination these students have shown in pursuing their educational goals. We are honored to play a small part in their journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their schools, careers, and communities.”
About CRC
CRC is a cooperative owned and operated, 24/7 contact center and alarm monitoring center. Founded in 1992, CRC has steadily increased the size and scope of its operation to serve utilities nationwide. CRC serves over 575 members and associate members in 47 states, representing nearly 13 million consumers. Visit CRC on the web at www.crc.coop.