Jan 23, 2026
From left, Leslie Wilson, Dean of the Wilson College of Business; then-STC senior Abigail Chyma; and Elisabeth Soliz, Director of the Office for Professional Distinction pictured on March 3, 2025, at STC High School during Chyma’s surprise announcement as the second-ever recipient of the University of Northern Iowa’s David W. Wilson Scholars Endowed Fund Scholarship. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
TOLEDO – For Abigail Chyma, staying busy has always come naturally. From athletics and academics to leadership and involvement, Chyma built a high school reputation as an outgoing participant always willing to try something new — a mindset that led the South Tama County Class of 2025 graduate to being named the second-ever recipient of the University of Northern Iowa’s prestigious David W. Wilson Scholars Endowed Fund Scholarship.
The scholarship – funded through a $25 million gift by Traer native and North Tama High School alumnus David W. Wilson – provides full coverage of tuition, room and board, and fees to graduating seniors from Tama County who are interested in pursuing business-related fields. Jenna Meyer, a 2024 STC graduate, was the inaugural recipient.
Chyma learned she was selected back on March 3, 2025, following a multi-step application and interview process — and an anxious wait.
“When I originally heard about it, I didn’t even know it was a thing,” Chyma said. Encouraged to apply by her high school counselor Dan Lopez, she advanced to the finalist stage and completed a phone interview before being told she would hear back within three weeks. “Those three weeks were terrible. I’m such an anxious person.”
The waiting ended in a carefully planned surprise. Called out of class for what she assumed was a routine meeting, Chyma walked into a room filled with family members, close friends, favorite teachers, and UNI representatives.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“I was completely oblivious when I walked in,” she said. “And then it all hit me. I was just so grateful. I don’t even have words for it.”
Chyma, the youngest child of Tammy and Steve Chyma, is no stranger to juggling commitments. During her time at STC, she participated in wrestling, soccer, softball, and dance, while also being active in National Honor Society and a wide range of other activities.
That same energy has carried over to her transition to college life at UNI.
Academically, Chyma is currently a business exploratory student. She credits an engaging introductory business course through Marshalltown Community College — and the professor teaching it — with shaping her interest in the field. “He’s really what got me into business,” she explained. “He kept me engaged and always gave really good feedback.”
Her first semester at UNI was demanding with six classes on her schedule, but she relied on study groups and family support to stay on track. “It was a lot,” she admitted, “but I figured it out.”
Outside the UNI classroom, Chyma has quickly found her place through involvement and athletics. Despite never having played rugby before college, she joined the Panther women’s rugby team and immediately felt welcomed.
“I’d never felt more at home on a team,” she said. “Even when I wasn’t that good at first, my teammates encouraged me the whole time.”
As part of her scholarship, Chyma works set weekly hours in UNI’s business office, assisting with presentations and communication. While initially nervous, she said the experience helped her build confidence and strong relationships with faculty and staff.
“They talked to me right away,” she said. “It made me feel like I belonged there.”
That involvement recently resulted in another milestone: an invitation to participate in a fully-funded spring break business and cultural exchange trip to China. The experience will include presentations at a college in Shanghai and several days of cultural exploration.
“When they asked me, I couldn’t believe it. It just keeps getting better.”
Chyma has also exchanged messages with David Wilson himself and expects to meet him later this spring.
Looking ahead, she says she is drawn to people-focused careers such as marketing or real estate. “I don’t want a desk job,” she said. “I want to be moving around and working with people.”
Reflecting on the scholarship and the doors it has already opened, Chyma hopes other Tama County seniors see what is possible.
“It opens up so many opportunities you wouldn’t have ever thought of,” she said. “I’d tell anyone thinking about applying to go for it.”
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