Since 1971, the Kishwaukee College Foundation has provided financial support to the
College through the generosity of our donors. The Foundation plays a vital role in
shaping the future and expanding opportunities at Kish by funding student scholarships,
program enhancements and responsible stewardship of Foundation resources.
As the demand for financial assistance continues to grow, more students are seeking
scholarships and emergency funding to stay on track with their education. We are committed
to ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.
You can make a difference in a student’s journey to completion. Any amount you give
is an investment in the future of our communities — both now and for generations to
come.
These efforts would not be possible without the generosity of donors and the leadership from the Foundation Board.
We are grateful for the generosity of our donors. Without their annual support, the efforts of the Foundation would not be possible. Great care went into ensuring the accuracy of this list. If you feel there is a discrepancy, please contact the Kishwaukee College Foundation at foundation@kish.edu.
Thank you to our donors recognized for their cumulative giving through June 30, 2024. *Denotes deceased
$1,000,000+
$500,000 to $999,999
$100,000 to $499,999
$50,000 to $99,999
$25,000 to $49,999
$10,000 to $24,999
Thank you to our Fiscal Year 2024 donors, who gave between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
$25,000
$10,000 to $24,999
$2,500 to $9,999
$1,000 to $2,499
$500 to $999
$100 to $499
Friends of Kishwaukee College
The Foundation manages more than 110 funds dedicated to scholarships, program enhancements and overall needs of the College.
Ine Achilles Scholarship for Horticulture
This scholarship is designed for students who have completed one year in the Kish
Horticulture program and was established by Rolf Achilles in loving memory of his
mother, Regina "Ine" Achilles, who was an avid gardener.
AG Communications Endowment
This scholarship is for students pursuing careers in electronics. The fund can also
be used for program enhancements.
Richard Akers Memorial Endowment
Richard Akers taught History at Kish for many years, and this scholarship was started
to recognize his retirement in 2001. Scholarships support students in history, economics,
and/or social sciences who demonstrate scholastic excellence.
Altrusa International of DeKalb County Scholarship
This scholarship provides support to returning adult learners with financial need.
Emma Anderson Scholarship
This scholarship is for student-athletes with special consideration for student-athletes
from Sycamore. Funds are held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation (DCCF).
Michael Bennett & Janette Maley Art Scholarship
Scholarships are provided for students who are interested in art and who are enrolled
or plan to enroll in Kishwaukee College Art classes.
Albert & Frances Besserman Endowment
The Albert & Frances Besserman Endowment will be used for scholarships for students
pursuing a career in Mathematics and/or STEM related fields as well as financial support for the Kishwaukee College Library. Albert & Frances are past employees of Kishwaukee College, and both made a large impact in their fields.
Robert & Doris Boey Endowment
This scholarship is for students who have lived in the Kishwaukee College district
for a year and are pursuing a degree or certificate at Kishwaukee College.
Rollan R. Bonneau Memorial Endowment
This fund was established to honor the memory of longtime Kishwaukee College Agriculture
Mechanics Instructor and Agriculture Division Chair, Rollan Bonneau. Recipients are
to be enrolled in the Diesel Power Technology, Automotive Technology, Horticulture
or Agriculture Transfer programs.
Chris & Katherine Boulos Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships are available to graduates of DeKalb or Sycamore High School who are,
or will be, attending Kishwaukee College. Amount varies.
Mark Brisbin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the Automotive or Diesel Power
Technology programs.
Rufus Brown Memorial Endowment
This fund, established in memory of the former Kishwaukee College instructor Rufus
Brown, awards scholarships for students from in-district high schools who participated
in a performing or visual arts program while in high school.
Dean & Betty Burgemeister Endowment
This scholarship is for students who have been accepted into the Kishwaukee College
Nursing program. It was established by Dean, in loving memory of his wife, Betty Jean,
who had an early interest in nursing and great admiration for her aunt who was a trained
nurse.
Mark Joseph Bussone Memorial Endowment
Joe and Evelyn Bussone established this fund in loving memory of their son Mark Joseph
Bussone, a graduate of the Kishwaukee College Radiologic Technology program, for scholarships
or other needs of the Radiology program.
Stoltz-Caruthers Family Scholarship
This scholarship is for full-time students who have completed 12 or more credit hours
at Kishwaukee College.
Nancy D. Castle Scholarship
This fund provides scholarships for students.
Bruce Cobb Horticulture Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time Horticulture student who has completed 30 hours at Kishwaukee
College and who has a minimum 2.75 GPA.
ComEd Endowment
This fund provides scholarships for students pursuing a degree in Technology or Engineering.
Proceeds may also be used for program enhancements.
Compeer Financial Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to help develop the next generation of talented, skilled
agricultural workers by providing hands-on, technical educational opportunities to
students pursuing agriculture or agriculture-related degrees or certificates.
Arden Perry & Kathryn Cornell Scholarship
This fund was started in memory of Arden Perry, a former instructor of waste water
management at Kishwaukee College. The fund provides scholarships for students who
have graduated from Genoa/Kingston High School with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
OJ & Phyllis Cunningham Malta Lions Club Memorial Scholarship
This fund provides scholarships for students in the Nursing program who have financial
need. Preference is given to Malta residents.
Jeremy Davis Memorial Endowment
The fund awards scholarships to students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program
or students with a military background. The fund was established by Jeremy’s family
and friends following his death. Jeremy was attending Kishwaukee College, pursuing
his dream of a career in law enforcement, when he lost his life. He was a veteran
of the United States Navy.
A scholarship established for students who are enrolled in the Kishwaukee College Horticulture program. Established to honor their son, Brian Deeke, who had obtained his Associate in Applied Science degree at Kish.
DeKalb Area Garden Club EndowmentThe DeKalb Area Garden Club created this fund to inspire students to follow their aspirations and become excited about horticulture. The fund provides scholarship for Horticulture students from DeKalb County who have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
DeKalb Fire Fighters Local 1236 Memorial ScholarshipThis scholarship was set up in the early 1980’s by DeKalb Firefighters to memorialize Arthur LaPointe and Johnny Isom. Both were DeKalb Firefighters who passed away of cancer. The scholarship is intended to recognize the roles of the health care professionals who helped care for them while battling their illnesses and is given to students enrolled in the Nursing, Radiology or Therapeutic Massage program.
Kenneth & Susan Doubler Scholarship FundThis fund is for students who have completed Dual Credit courses through the Kishwaukee Education Consortium while enrolled at a high school within the Kishwaukee College District and who graduated with a minimum 2.5 GPA; or for students who have recently graduated from an in-district high school in good standing with a special emphasis to those students who are interested in getting into the trade industry.
Kishwaukee College Employee Give ScholarshipA combination of the former Employee Reaching Forward and 50 for 50 scholarship funds, these scholarships are for full-time or part-time students and are awarded across programs.
Enbridge Pipeline Industry Awareness ScholarshipThis fund was established to provide scholarship support to students who are studying Automated Engineering or welding-related disciplines and have an interest in pursuing a career in the pipeline industry.
The Founder's EndowmentThis fund supports students demonstrating academic achievement, community service and leadership in organizations on campus such as Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government, the Honors Program or the National Leadership Development Society.
James Salomone Fuerst EndowmentThis fund provides scholarships to students who are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and have a financial need. The fund was initiated by James' brother Carl and their mother Anita in James' memory as he had a lifelong passion for cooking and held a culinary degree.
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois ScholarshipGoodwill created this scholarship fund to help individuals with disabilities access higher education and achieve their employment goals.
Barry Haber Kiwanis Club of DeKalb Scholarship
Scholarship for recent DHS graduates attending Kishwaukee College, who have demonstrated a service “beyond self” orientation during their high school career. Funds are held
with the DeKalb County Community Foundation (DCCF).
This fund awards scholarships to students who have been accepted into the Kishwaukee College Nursing program or who are pursuing a teaching career.
Ruth I. Hall Nursing EndowmentThis fund provides annual support to nursing students.
Heartland Bank Community Enhancement ScholarshipThis scholarship is awarded to students enrolled or enrolling in Business, Finance, Education, Nursing or Technology who demonstrate financial need.
Jeanne M. Henderson Memorial EndowmentThis fund was established in memory of Kishwaukee College alumna Jeanne Henderson for scholarships to students pursuing a transfer degree in English or Journalism.
Desa Henn Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in honor of long-time Marketing and Management Instructor
Desa Henn. The scholarship will provide support for in-district Kish students who demonstrate
financial need
The Pat Humo Nursing scholarship is designed for applicants who have been accepted into the Kishwaukee College Nursing program with a financial need. Funds are held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Stephen P. Irving Family Scholarship
This fund supports students who have committed to career training that will bring
them greater financial success.
Dutch Johnson was one of the founders of Kishwaukee College and served on the first Board of Trustees (1967-1975). Dutch Johnson helped establish the Kishwaukee College Foundation. The fund provides scholarship support for students who come from a rural background and who are enrolled in Agribusiness curriculum.
Terry S. Jones & Nancy J. Eyer Nursing Student Scholarship
This scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the Kishwaukee College Nursing
program. Students must demonstrate financial need and preference will be given to
single parents.
Steve Kessler Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of Steve Kessler, a 26-year veteran firefighter with
the DeKalb Fire Department. The fund will provide support to students pursuing a degree
or certificate in Emergency Medical Services.
This scholarship is awarded to residents of the Kishwaukee College district who are enrolled at Kish for the upcoming semester.
Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees ScholarshipThe Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees implemented this scholarship to invest in the College community. It provides scholarships for full- or part-time students with financial need.
Kishwaukee College Engineering ScholarshipAn anonymous donor created this scholarship for second-year Engineering students with financial need.
Kishwaukee College First-Generation ScholarshipThis scholarship provides financial support to students who graduated from Sycamore High School and are pursuing a degree in an underrepresented program. Preference to students enrolled in an Engineering, Manufacturing, or Welding Technology programs whose parents were born in another country.
Law Enforcement Lifelong Learning ScholarshipThis scholarship is for students in the Criminal Justice program, with preference given to students who have completed the police academy and are currently working in the field.
Frances Loubere Ally Activist ScholarshipThis fund provides scholarships to incoming or currently enrolled students based on the recommendation from the Committee on Gender and Sexual Diversity (GSD). The fund is named after a retired Kishwaukee College employee who was an advocate for equality for all students.
Donald C. Mack ScholarshipThis scholarship provides support for first-year students at Kishwaukee College pursuing a degree or certificate in Horticulture. Funds are held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Rowland & Lucile Matteson EndowmentThis scholarship is awarded to a Horticulture student with a minimum 3.0 GPA who has completed 10 or more credit hours at the time of the award.
Wayne McIlrath Family ScholarshipScholarships are given to students who are beginning or returning to college as adults. Funds are held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Diane McNeilly Education EndowmentThis fund provides a scholarship for students from Ogle County High Schools enrolled in the A.A.S. Education Curriculum. It was started by Dr. Diane McNeilly, a former administrator and long-time donor at Kishwaukee College.
Shane Meyers Memorial ScholarshipThis scholarship is for incoming or currently enrolled full-time students seeking a certificate or degree in Automotive Technology.
Howard & Martha Mullins Memorial Endowment for NursingAs a founding board member for Kishwaukee College, Howard was dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the community, this endowment honor's that dedication by providing a scholarship for part-time pre-nursing students.
The National Bank & Trust Company Endowment Fund
This fund provides scholarships to individuals working at area non-profit organizations
and taking credit or non-credit courses at Kishwaukee College.
Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Endowment
To adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare, students, and higher education, funds
can be used for scholarships or to support operational needs.
Joyce A. Nicklas Memorial Scholarship
Dr. William "Bill" Nicklas established this scholarship fund in memory of his wife,
Joyce. Joyce graduated from Kishwaukee College as a Registered Nurse in 1981. Scholarships
are for newly-admitted nursing students with a minimum 2.5 GPA upon graduation from
an in-district high school.
Philip H. Nye was a founding trustee and emeritus member of the Kishwaukee College Foundation Board. Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in Early Childhood Development or Education course work at Kishwaukee College.
OC Creative Scholarship
This scholarship supports students who have a career goal in creative services (graphic
design, marketing, advertising, videography, photography, etc.).
Janice Vida Owens Endowment
Provides scholarships for students pursuing a degree or certificate in the Office
Systems program. Scholarships may be awarded to full-time or part-time students based
on financial need. Recommendation from faculty is strongly encouraged.
Pay It Forward Scholarship
Provides annual scholarship support to students who demonstrate financial need and
are working to overcome life challenges. Applicants are reviewed by previous Foundation
scholarship recipients to provide them with an opportunity to give back to the next
generation of students.
Marie Ann Pierce Memorial Endowment
This fund provides scholarships for students accepted in the Kishwaukee College Nursing
program or enrolled in the Radiologic Technology program.
The fund provides scholarships for students enrolled in the Kishwaukee College Horticulture or Agriculture programs.
Ruth Ashelford Pollock Nursing FundThe fund provides scholarships for students enrolled in the Kishwaukee College Nursing program who have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
The Edmund & Nancy Pool Family ScholarshipThis fund provides scholarship support to incoming or currently enrolled students with a full-time credit load with plans to transfer to a four-year institution majoring in Business or Music, or pursuing a degree or certificate in career and technical education, with a preference for Emergency Medical Services programs.
Eleanor Anglin Price ScholarshipThis fund is for a returning or continuing students at Kishwaukee College. Funds are held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Earl & Jeanne Pritchard ScholarshipThis scholarship honors Earl & Jeanne Pritchard and is for students working toward a horticulture degree. Applicants must be graduates of a DeKalb County or a Kishwaukee College, in-district high school with a 3.0 GPA.
Veronica M. Ream Endowment FundScholarships are awarded to full-time students who have demonstrated financial need.
Charles & Mary Roberts Memorial Endowment/Charles & MaryThis endowment was started in 2017 by the children of Charles & Mary Roberts in their memory. The fund is used to provide scholarships for full-time Nursing program students, and for general scholarships for students enrolled in six credit hours with satisfactory academic standing.
Tom & Nancy Roberts EndowmentScholarships are awarded to students who are or were involved in performing arts in high school. Preference will be given to students who have participated in theatre productions.
Jesus Romero Hispanic ScholarshipJesus Romero is an esteemed alum of Kishwaukee College, and through this scholarship shows his commitment to making educational dreams come true for generations to come. Awards are made to students who have lived in the Kishwaukee College district for at least one year and who have been accepted into a degree or certificate program.
William & Emiline Rood Family ScholarshipThis fund provides a scholarship for full-time students in the Kishwaukee College Horticulture or Agribusiness program who have graduated from Indian Creek (or Paw Paw) High School.
Mathew J. Rood DPT ScholarshipThe scholarship is in memory of Mathew Rood, who passed away suddenly. Mathew was a Diesel Power Tech graduate. The fund was established in memorial by his father, Peter Rood, through the generosity of friends and family.
Jack Schrout Memorial Sycamore Lions Club Scholarship
This scholarship supports students residing within the Sycamore Community and entering
the second year of their studies. Preference is given to students pursuing degrees
or careers in: Emergency Medical Services, Registered Nursing, Education and Art.
This fund provides scholarships for full-time Ogle or DeKalb County students pursuing a degree in Diesel Power Technology or who are interested in farming and farm machine repair work.
Vernon & Dorothy Smith Memorial ScholarshipAwards are for a student enrolled in a degree or certificate program who is taking a minimum of six credit hours per semester. Preference is given to Rochelle Township High School graduates.
Les & Deanie Springmire EndowmentThis endowment provides scholarships for students experiencing financial hardship. Funds may also be used for program enhancements at Kishwaukee College.
Bud & Kay Stocking, Rochelle Rotary Service Above Self EndowmentScholarships from this fund are awarded to Rochelle Township High School students going to Kishwaukee College. Preference is given to students with high levels of selfless service.
Ronald S. Sweet Jr. Endowment
This endowment was established to honor the memory of Ronald S. Sweet Jr. who served
as the Kishwaukee College Head Volleyball Coach from 2003-2009. He led his teams to
three NJCCA National Championships in 2007, 2008, and 2009 and was also honored as
a three-time NJCCA National Coach of the year. The fund will provide ongoing scholarship
support for students in financial need.
This scholarship supports students who are both part-time & full-time at Kishwaukee College and who are experiencing a financial hardship. Preference given to current employees of The Suter Company, students transitioning from short-term training programs or adult basic education classes into credit courses.
Sycamore Hospital Physicians Nursing ScholarshipThis fund provides scholarships for students currently in the Nursing program. Preference is given to students who have volunteered at a Northern Illinois health care facility, have a minimum 3.4 GPA and have graduated from Sycamore High School.
Leah Wach Memorial EndowmentThis scholarship provides assistance for students who have undergone extreme hardship.
Robert & Norma Wildenradt EndowmentThis fund provides scholarships and program enhancement support for the Agribusiness Program.
The Rebecca Williams Memorial ScholarshipThis fund is in memory of Rebecca Williams, a 35-year employee at Kishwaukee College. It provides scholarship assistance for students in the Office Systems program.
Challenge Fund
This fund supports scholarships for students enrolled in short-term programs.
Champions for Students Fund
Established by anonymous donors who are dedicated supporters of the College, this
fund provides emergency grants to students.
Evelina Jose Cichy Endowment
Started by Evelina Cichy in honor of her many years of service to Kishwaukee College,
this fund helps pay for the fees associated with the high school equivalency test.
John & Barbara Dant Memorial Endowment
This fund provides financial support for the needs of the Math or English departments.
George E. Dutton & Betty B. Dutton Foundation Endowment
This endowment provides financial support to students.
Frank Moore Memorial Fund
This fund supports program enhancements in the science departments.
Kishwaukee College Athletics Fund
This fund supports the Kishwaukee College Athletic Campaign, which began in 2019–2020.
Leifheit Literacy Endowment
This endowment supports adult and family literacy programs at Kishwaukee College.
Library Endowment Fund
This fund was established to support the operations of the Kishwaukee College Library,
especially the purchase of new periodicals.
Lifelong Learning Endowment
Honoring the retirement of Judy Krajewski, former Dean of Community Education & Services,
this fund was created to ensure a legacy of lifelong learning by increasing access
to community education opportunities through scholarships.
Doris V. & Suzanne K. Lewis Memorial Endowment
This fund supports the Kishwaukee College Nursing program.
Terry & Sherrie Martin Endowment
This endowment supports Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at Kishwaukee College.
Terry & Sherrie Martin Health & Science Endowment
Born out of a deep commitment to education and a strong belief in the values of Kishwaukee
College, this fund supports program enhancements for the Allied Health and Science
programs.
Norman Jenkins Presidential Endowment
This fund benefits Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at the discretion of their advisors to further
enhance academic activities.
Nursing Textbook Fund
This fund covers the cost of nursing textbooks included in the College’s All-In Tuition
program.
O’Meara & Schaeffer Nursing Endowment
This fund supports students enrolled in the Nursing program.
Robert L. “Smitty” Smith Assistantship
Established in honor of Robert L. Smith, a respected science faculty member from 1968
to 1975, this fund supports a student assistantship in STEM programs.
Velta Smith Nursing Endowment
This fund supports students enrolled in the Nursing program.
Yvonne A. Johnson & Family Legacy Endowment
This endowment supports programs in Science, Horticulture, and Health Education.
Yvonne A. Johnson Endowment for Community Education
This fund supports programmatic needs in the Fine Arts & Communication, Science, and
Horticulture programs.
Ault Family Memorial Endowment
This fund is to be used for the needs of the College. No restrictions.
Dorothy Englehart Endowment
Funds are to be used for buildings and equipment.
Dr. Robert & Jan Bradbury Endowment
This fund is used to provide the Kishwaukee College Foundation Board of Directors
with flexibility in meeting urgent and changing needs within the Kishwaukee College
district.
Dr. David Louis Presidential Endowment
This unrestricted fund can be used as needed by the College.
Klein Family Endowment
This fund was established by area attorney Ronald Klein to show his commitment to
the mission and vision of Kishwaukee College. Funds are to be used for the needs of
the College.
Matteson General Endowment
This fund is to be used for capital or other educational purposes. The corpus of the
fund is held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Thomas & Susan Choice Endowment
Through this endowment, former Kishwaukee College President Thomas Choice and his
wife, Susan, have created a lasting commitment to the ideals and aspirations of higher
education. The funds are to be used at the discretion of the Foundation Board of Directors
to support the needs of the College.
Willrett Scholarship Endowment
This fund is to be used for the needs of the College.
Stay up to date with the latest Foundation news and events by subscribing to our newsletter. Simply fill out our contact form to join and never miss an update.
Each year, an independent, professional accounting firm audits the Kishwaukee College Foundation’s financial statements. Our goal is to consistently produce clean audits and confirm the health of the Foundation’s financial position. We are pleased to share our most recent audited financial report.
View the FY24 Report (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) (PDF).
Kishwaukee College had a College-record 57 student-athletes nominated for Arrowhead Conference or National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) academic awards during the 2024-2025 athletic season.
Read MoreKishwaukee College will host Discover Kish from 10:30 am-1 pm on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the College. Discover Kish helps new students and their families explore and learn about Kishwaukee College before the start of the semester.
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