Patty Salo Downs retiring from Alworth Memorial Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Patty Salo Downs is retiring as executive director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund.

She had held the role for nearly 19 years.

Salo Downs helped the organization grant more than $26 million in scholarships to over 1,400 northern Minnesota high school students.

She said, “Whether they’re participating in study abroad, installing a water distribution system in Kenya, engaging in research and other humanitarian efforts, it’s heartening to know we helped them get their start. Although I’m retiring soon, I’ll continue to proudly watch as Alworth Scholars make future contributions to the world.”

Her last day will be June 30.

Breanne Tepler will start as the new Alworth executive director on July 7.

The Alworth Fund’s mission is to grant scholarships that support students going into a STEM field with high scholastic records and financial need. The Fund’s goal is to help students be successful and impactful in math, science, medical and related research. Scholarships are available to students in 60 high schools, plus those who are homeschooled, in these 10 northern Minnesota counties: Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Lake, Itasca, Koochiching and St Louis.