Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950. Sani served as IGA President in 1929.
The recipients of the 2025 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Lauren Nuss, of New Hampton, Chloe Bolte, of Sumner, Tomas Rascon, of Burlington, and Emersen Motl, of Ames, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total).
Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Hyperion Field Club, in August.
Lauren Nuss, daughter of Marty and Carolyn Nuss , is a graduate of New Hampton High School and will be attending University of Northern Iowa to study Biochemistry on a pre-pharmacy track and play golf for the Panters.
“I am very grateful and honored to receive the 2025 Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “This esteemed scholarship will help me to continue my academic and golf career at the University of Northern Iowa. I am fortunate to represent the Iowa Golf Association and Mr. Sani through this scholarship.”
Chloe Bolte, daughter of Ben and Sarah Bolte, is a graduate from Sumner-Fredericksburg High School and will attend Missouri State University. Chloe plans to major Civil Engineering and Physics and will play golf in college.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “I’ve always admired the accomplishments and character of past recipients, many of whom have served as role models and inspired me to work hard and stay committed. Being recognized alongside them is incredibly meaningful, and I’m motivated to live up to the standard they’ve set. Thank you for your support and for believing in my potential.”
Tomas Rascon, the son of Stacey and Jim Stevens and Matt & Lindsey Rascon, is a graduate of Burlington High School and will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study Accounting and play golf.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to be a recipient of such a prestigious award and scholarship,” he said. “Golf has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember and has taught me self-discipline, tenacity, patience, and perseverance which will help me to succeed in life, both on and off the course. I will continue to strive to represent God, my family, my community, Iowa golf, SIUE, and Herman Sani himself with dignity, integrity, and humility.”
Emersen Motl, the daughter of Jill and Michael Motl, is a graduate of Ames High School and plans to study Professional Golf Management at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln).
“I am extremely honored to be a Herman Sani Scholarship recipient,” she said. “Golf is my passion, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to make a career in the industry by attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study PGA Golf Management. This financial aid will help support my dream of contributing to the game of golf and advancing it in any way that I can. I am incredibly thankful to represent the amazing values exemplified by Mr. Sani and the Iowa Golf Association.”
The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2025, 207 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.
Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.
