2. What is the Brittingham Viking Organization (BVO) and how does it involve scholars?
The BVO is the alumni organization whose primary members are scholarship recipients, informally called "Vikings." Viking family members and honorary Vikings are also members of the BVO. There are over 300 members of the BVO. The BVO is responsible for organizing alumni reunions, scholarship selections, fundraising, and alumni communications. The BVO holds an annual reunion called convention. Convention usually takes place in August or September and each year the location rotates between Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Madison, WI. Following his/her selection, new Vikings are immediately part of the Viking family. After a new scholar's scholarship experience abroad, scholars are expected to play an active role in the selections process upon return. New Vikings are specifically encouraged to play a role in marketing the scholarship, participating in selections, and apprenticing the next generation of scholars. Participation in the BVO is a lifelong opportunity. Vikings from all generations are encouraged to host visiting scholars in their homes, attend BVO social events, take part in BVO fundraising and annual dues, contribute to the BVO newsletter "The Ripples", and more.