Scholarships
Tony Ruppert Scholarship Program
Tony Ruppert was a leader in voicing the position of the wastewater and well water industries and expressing our role in protecting the environment. He was a fierce advocate for MOSTCA and spent many, many hours at the Minnesota State Capitol representing our organization. He was one of the “good ‘ol guys” and he liked a good argument.
Tony ALWAYS had a black briefcase on wheels that he pulled around, stocked with documentation related to legislative bills and research that he could draw on quickly when he was up to bat. You could hear Tony coming from the thump, thump of his rolling briefcase and his signature gait. Tony was instrumental in getting the Program off the ground for onsite wastewater professionals.
To commemorate Tony Ruppert, the MOWA Board set up the Tony Ruppert Youth Scholarship Program. Every year, youth may apply for the scholarship that will be enrolled as a full-time student in post-secondary undergraduate education.
Scholarship Rules 2025:
- Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student in post-secondary undergraduate education during the 2025-26 school year.
- Applicants must be no more than 26 years old as of June 1, 2025. They must also be affiliated with MOWA in one of the following ways:
- MOWA Member (Individual or Company)
- MOWA Member Employee (Individual or Company)
- MOWA Member (Individual or Company) Employee's Child, Sibling, Grandchild, Niece/Nephew
- Students may only win the scholarship once.
- Students must complete an application, write an essay (template provided), and provide certification of the relationship to a MOWA member or member’s employee.
Deadline to apply: October 15, 2025
Application Requirements
Deadline has passed. Thank you for your interest!
2025 Tony Ruppert Scholarship Recipients
Ava Bougalis is the daughter of John Bougalis of Hibbing, Minnesota. Ava is attending the University of North Dakota majoring in Finance. She is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.
Thomas Haeg is the son of Tim Haeg of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Thomas is attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities majoring in Chemical Engineering. He is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.
Vincent Humpal is a member of MOWA attending University of Wisconsin – Stout, majoring in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. He is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.
Eliya Statema is the daughter of Steve Statema of Motley, Minnesota. Eliya is attending Liberty University Online majoring in Digital Design. She is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.
Valerie Valento is the daughter of Keith Valento of Scandia, Minnesota. She is attending St. Catherine University majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.