About 650 students, parents and donors attended Bemidji State University’s 2017 Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast Oct. 7 in the Sanford Center arena.

The event recognizes scholarship recipients for their achievement and those who donate to the BSU Alumni & Foundation in support of scholarships.

Seniors Gabriela Lara and Scott Smethers and donor Doug Fredrickson of Avon, a 2010 BSU alum, were featured in short videos. Students in attendance received a letter of congratulations from President Faith Hensrud, who also shook each of their hands, along with Dr. Tony Peffer, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and each of the respective college deans.