Fort Dodge, Iowa — A new scholarship honoring the legacy of Susan Ahlers Leman will support
college students from Fort Dodge and Webster City who are pursuing careers in music or theatre.
The Susan Ahlers Leman Memorial Scholarship was created to celebrate Susan’s transformative
leadership and lifelong dedication to the arts in North Central Iowa. Prior to her passing in 2024,
Susan played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, championing a
vision that elevated the arts throughout Fort Dodge and surrounding communities.
Beginning in 2014, Susan worked tirelessly to strengthen the Association’s presence and
sustainability. Through her advocacy, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation recognized the
powerful role the arts play in enhancing quality of life and driving economic development. The
Foundation invested in the arts by providing operational support that helped transform the
Association from supporting just six member organizations to more than sixty today.
Susan was also instrumental in securing major private support for the arts, including a $100,000
gift from philanthropist Marlys Smith.
The new scholarship reflects Susan’s deep belief that the arts change lives and strengthen
communities.
Eligibility
The scholarship will be awarded annually to:
A student originally from Fort Dodge or Webster City, Iowa
Actively pursuing a degree in music, theatre, or a related performing arts field
Applicants must demonstrate artistic dedication, leadership, academic achievement, and a
commitment to community involvement.
Selected students will receive $1,000 towards their freshman year studies. IF, the student
continues with their program, they will receive an additional $1,000 towards their sophomore year studies
This scholarship aims to invest in the next generation of artists who not only strive for artistic
excellence but also share Susan’s vision of using the arts to enrich and strengthen communities.
Application Information
Applications and detailed eligibility requirements are available at: fdfinearts@gmail.com
Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
Applications can be found in the Guidance Counselor’s office.
For additional information, please contact:
Shelly Bottorff – Executive Director, Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association
fdfinearts@gmail.com
515-570-780