Iowa City, Iowa – Debbie Pongo, a recent graduate of Iowa City High School, will attend the University of Northern Iowa on a full-ride scholarship as part of the Noel Scholars program. The scholarship is made possible by the generous gift from Rick (Accounting, ‘90) and Lisa Noel, and covers all expenses including tuition & fees, housing, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Every year, one recipient is chosen based on their dedication to learning and ability to achieve success despite facing difficult circumstances. The scholarship is renewable for three years.

Pongo learned she was this year’s recipient during what she thought was a senior ceremony. Instead, she found herself surrounded by cheering friends, family and mentors as well several UNI administrators and staff. 

"I'm very grateful, and I won't be taking this for granted. I was just in complete shock," said Pongo. "It's a huge blessing because anyone could have received it, but God chose me to receive it."

Pongo's journey from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United States was not an easy one. Immigrating from Zambia in 2012, when she was just eight years old, Pongo and her family faced numerous challenges in adapting to their new home. However, with the support of her mother's family, who had previously resided in the Iowa City area, they were able to establish themselves in Iowa. Since then, Pongo has been a model student and excelled in her classes. She has also found an interest in giving back and helping the community.

“She just brings such a fresh perspective, and she’s very driven,” said Taija Tucker, who selected Pongo as this year’s Noel Scholars program recipient and will serve as her academic advisor in UNI’s College of Business. “Her family is so proud of her, and just talking to her, she has some of those same qualities as her family. She’s headstrong. And she’s so excited to start her time here at UNI.”

Pongo is passionate about eco-friendly clothing and thrifting. She plans to double major in textiles and apparel design and marketing. She hopes to start her own community-centric business someday. That’s part of the reason she initially became interested in UNI. Her high school counselor recommended UNI's College of Business as a great place to grow and learn.

And now, with help from the Noel Scholars program, Pongo has a kickstart to work toward those dreams.

“It’s not just for myself. It’s much bigger than me,” Pongo said about receiving the scholarship. “To be able to show people in my community – we focus a lot on education – that you can work hard and be rewarded. This might help other girls see what I’m doing and apply themselves. There are a lot of girls who come here and think that school ends right after high school because they don’t think they can get into college. So I hope I can show them that they can do this.”

More information about the Noel Scholars program can be found at admissions.uni.edu/financial-aid/noel-scholars