CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Members of the UNI business department came to Abigail Chyma’s surprise announcement. From left to right Leslie Wilson, Dean of the Wilson College of Business; Chyma; and Elisabeth Soliz, Director of the Office for Professional Distinction.

CEDAR FALLS — For South Tama County alum Abigail Chyma, staying busy has always come naturally. From athletics and academics to leadership and involvement, Chyma has built a reputation as an outgoing participant always wanting to try something new — a mindset that earned her one of the most significant opportunities of life.

Chyma, a member of the STC Class of 2025, was named a recipient of the David W. Wilson Scholars Endowed Fund Scholarship, becoming the second student to receive the award. The scholarship, offered through the University of Northern Iowa, provides full coverage of tuition, room and board, and fees, while also opening the door to expanded academic, professional, and global opportunities for Tama County students interested in business.

Chyma learned she had been selected 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.

“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.”

The scholarship stems from a $25 million gift from David W. Wilson, a North Tama graduate and UNI alumnus, which established the Wilson Scholars Fund. The program offers full-ride scholarships to graduating seniors from around Tama County who are interested in pursuing business-related fields.

Chyma, the youngest child of Tammy and Steve Chyma, is no stranger to juggling commitments. During her time at South Tama County, 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 and 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 said. “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 said, “but I figured it out.”

Outside the classroom, Chyma quickly found her place through involvement and athletics. Despite never having played rugby before college, she joined the UNI 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.”

That decision led to national competition, including a trip to Texas after the team earned an unexpected opportunity to compete at a higher level. Chyma plans to continue with the program.

As part of her scholarship, Chyma also 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,” Chyma said. “It just keeps getting better.”

Chyma has also exchanged messages with 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.”

For a student known for stepping forward and staying involved, Abigail Chyma’s journey is just beginning — one opportunity building naturally into the next.

Photos Contributed:

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Members of the UNI business department came to Abigail Chyma’s surprise announcement. From left to right Leslie Wilson, Dean of the Wilson College of Business; Chyma; and Elisabeth Soliz, Director of the Office for Professional Distinction. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Abigail Chyma smiles with delight after starting her journey as the second ever Wilson Scholar. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO