Scholarship for Beau Arndt created at Emporia State

Hunt for Hunger honors Arndt’s commitment to outdoors, says “We are Beau”

Beau Arndt, the avid hunter, outdoorsman and Emporia State University freshman who was killed while hunting in December 2007, has been honored with a scholarship at ESU.

The Beau Arndt “Love for the Outdoors” Scholarship Fund was recently  established by Hunt for Hunger (H4H), a local organization dedicated to providing food to those in need, and Beau’s parents, Bob and Christine Arndt of Americus.

The scholarship will support students majoring in biology or earth science with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.5 who are graduates of Northern Heights High School or a high school in Lyon County.

Beau’s life was cut short as he began to pursue his dream of being an outdoors guide in Canada, said his father, Bob Arndt. Beau, in his first semester at Emporia State, was thrilled to begin studying biology and business so that he could take his knowledge of horses, fishing and hunting to the north. “Two months before he died, he said, ‘I’m on my way. That’s what I’m going to do,’” Bob said. 

Beau loved to help younger children and his peers discover the outdoors, including baseball, animals, hunting and fishing. He would ride his horse for hours, studying wildlife and learning about nature. His passion for the outdoors was something he always shared with others – with family, friends and those who were in need. For the Hunt for Hunger group, Beau’s story struck a chord, says Chuck Gardner, and the organization made a commitment to raise money for the scholarship.

“We truly believe it could’ve happened to any one of us,” Gardner said of Beau’s tragic death. “He was a young man who grew up just like we did. We are Beau. Everyone in our group is just like Beau.”

Founded by Lyon County outdoorsmen, H4H brings together hunters, outdoors people, businesses and organizations to provide help to the needy and hungry. The group’s ideals perfectly match the way Beau lived his life.

“How he lived and his values are the same ideals of the Hunt for Hunger group – wanting to do things for others,” Bob Arndt said. “It seemed like the perfect fit. If they can raise money in Beau’s name and help someone else fulfill their dreams, then that’s a great thing. Beau would want that.”

Those interested in contributing to the Arndt scholarship may send a check payable to the ESU Foundation at 1500 Highland St., Emporia, KS 66801. Or contact Mike Crouch at the Foundation, at (620) 341-5440 or mcrouch1@emporia.edu."

Last Updated June 27, 2008>