Northwestern University Athletics

Ella Lombard Will Hofstadter

Hofstadter, Lombard Earn Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarships

5/9/2019 1:01:00 PM | General, Men's Swimming and Diving, Academic Services & Student Development, Women's Fencing

EVANSTON, Ill. — Will Hofstadter of men's swimming and diving and Ella Lombard of fencing are the recipients of the 2019 Big Ten Postgraduate Scholarship Award, the conference announced Thursday.
 
Each year two student-athletes from each of the 14 Big Ten institutions who plan on continuing their education are awarded the $7,500 scholarship based on their academic achievement throughout their undergraduate studies.
 
Hofstadter will graduate in June with a degree in biological sciences with minors in biotechnology and biochemical engineering.  The Irvine, California, native was recognized as Northwestern's men's swimming and diving Big Ten Sportsmanship Award recipient for the 2018-19 season.
 
"It is a great honor to be awarded this postgraduate scholarship," said Hofstadter. "I am very thankful for the professors and coaches that have prepared me for postgraduate work and very excited at the prospect of continuing to pursue a career in research. Even when working at different schools I'll always bleed purple!"
 
Hofstadter came in first place in the 100 meter breaststroke at the 2018 TYR Invitational in addition to being a pivotal member of the Wildcats 200 and 400 meter relay teams in the 2017-18 season.
 
Lombard will graduate in June, earning degrees in both psychology and English.
 
"I was deeply honored to be selected for the scholarship," said Lombard. "Northwestern Athletics has been a cornerstone in my development not just on the fencing strip, but as a student, and it was my experience as a student-athlete that inspired and motivated me to pursue research and graduate school over the past few years. I am endlessly grateful to my Wildcat family and excited to see what happens next as I begin to pursue a PhD in Social Psychology this coming fall at the University of Washington."
 
The Amherst, Massachusetts, native earned All-Midwest Fencing Conference honorable mention accolades in her senior season. Lombard posted top-10 finishes at the MFC Championships and the NCAA Regionals.
 
In order to be eligible for the postgraduate scholarship the student-athlete must maintain a 3.2 GPA, demonstrate leadership qualities, serve as an excellent role model and intend to continue their academic work in a graduate degree program.
 
The scholarship will be used to pay expenses of the student's postgraduate education to include such related activities as research and teaching, as well as other expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, required course-related supplies and books.

••••••

Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!
 

 

Players Mentioned

Free
/ Men's Swimming and Diving
Epée
/ Women's Fencing
Football - Penn State Postgame Press Conference (10/11/25)
Saturday, October 11
Football - Northwestern Stuns Penn State on the Road, 22-21 (10/11/25)
Saturday, October 11
Field Hockey - Sessa, Zimmer Guide NU Past Penn State, 4-0
Saturday, October 11
Men's Basketball - Big Ten Network Desk Segment at Big Ten Media Day (10/9/25)
Thursday, October 09