Alumni & Friends

VCSU Announces McCready Scholars

May 7, 2025

VALLEY CITY (VCSU) – Valley City State University has selected four incoming freshman students to receive the prestigious McCready Scholarship for the 2025-26 school year.

The McCready Scholarship is the highest scholarship available at VCSU and covers full funding for tuition, fees and books for the student’s first four years at Valley City State University.

Kristyn Bauer, Ann Muggli, Kalyssa Nelson and Avery Backus were all selected in April to receive VCSU’s top scholarship award starting this fall.

Kristyn Bauer wears a red and white dress for a senior photo as she leans against a brick wall — Kristyn Bauer

Kristyn Bauer is from Zap, N.D., and her parents are Laura and Michael Bauer. She plans to be active in several student clubs on campus, including Speech, Chi Alpha and Student Senate.

Ann Muggli smiles while posing for a senior photo in front along a sidewalk — Ann Muggli

Ann Muggli comes to VCSU from Fullerton, N.D. Her parents are Scott and Cherie Muggli. Ann plans to compete for VCSU’s volleyball and track and field teams.

Kalyssa Nelson smiles while posing for a senior photo outdoors in a white shirt — Kalyssa Nelson

Kalyssa Nelson is from Fargo, N.D. She is the daughter of Kelly Nelson and Greg Nelson and plans to study Spanish Education.

Avery Backus holds a basketball while wearing a black VCSU women's basketball t-shirt. — Avery Backus

Avery Backus is a native of Sandy, Utah. She is the daughter of Brooke Backus and Bill Backus. Avery has committed to playing both basketball and track and field at VCSU.

About the McCready Scholarship

In 2004, Dr. Richard and Ardis (Severson) McCready established the McCready Scholars Endowment at Valley City State University. Each McCready scholar receives full funding for tuition, fees, and books. The scholarship is re-awarded annually for a maximum of four years of support to those who maintain a 3.5 grade point average and make yearly progress toward their degree.

“The McCreadys believed in lifelong learning and therefore set up an endowment to support students at VCSU. They started with a scholarship in honor of a former faculty member and in 2004 set up their own scholarship endowment. This is our largest renewal scholarship to date,” said Kim Svenningsen Hesch, assistant director for university advancement.

Dr. Richard McCready ‘49, served many years as a professor of quantitative systems at Arizona State University. In 1982, the VCSU Alumni Association presented McCready with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Ardis (Severson) McCready ‘47, served many years as a legal secretary and public school teacher.