On May 21, three months after his death, friends and family members gathered to remember Scott Limbeck and to take up a collection that would fund a scholarship in his memory. Limbeck, who would’ve graduated in May, was a senior U. Nebraska-Omaha student who died from injuries sustained from a hit-and-run accident.

This fall, UNO students Samantha Bayer, Gina Blobaum, Jessica Churchich, Jason Schlautman and Zach Wagner have been named recipients of that scholarship. They were each awarded $500 to be used toward school expenses in remembrance of their fellow classmate.

“I think his family’s decision to disburse a scholarship in his name is a true testament to the person he was,” said scholarship recipient and personal friend, Gina Blobaum. “The entire Limbeck family kept their focus on the important things throughout the entire tragedy.”

Blobaum, in her freshman year, said she is grateful for the financial help. She is currently enrolled full-time in hopes to complete a bachelor’s of science in social work. Blobaum transferred from Metropolitan Community College this year, where she attended part-time.

“The money I was awarded went straight to tuition for my classes,” Blobaum said. “Every little bit has helped me along the way and this is a prime example of that. ”

Blobaum said she still struggles with the loss of Limbeck, but continues to sustain a positive memory of her friend.

“When I think of him, I still get a roller coaster of emotions,” Blobaum said. “From confusion and anger to laughter, happiness and being thankful for the time I had with him while he was in this life.”

Political science graduate student Zach Wagner also knew Limbeck well and attended a daycare run by Limbeck’s mother. Though the two weren’t as close in later years as they were in childhood, Wagner would often see Limbeck when picking up his younger brother at that same daycare.

“Scott was a wonderful person and he did not deserve what happened to him,” Wagner said. “His memory will always live on with me and I am glad to accept the scholarship so that through my life I can honor his name.”

After completing his graduate program, Wagner plans to work in government and hopes to get a job in national security. Like Blobaum, Wagner will use the scholarship to help pay for tuition.