About the Foundation
Our Mission & Impact
On This Page: Cumulative Donors | Annual Donors | Foundation Funds | Newsletter | Financial Reports
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.
Cumulative Donors
Recognizing donors for their lifetime giving through June 30, 2025.
- Ruth Ashelford Pollock*
- Chris & Katherine Boulos Foundation
- DeKalb County Community Foundation
- Dorothy Englehart*
- Ruth Hall*
- Alpine Bank
- Dean Burgemeister*
- Jane Danielson
- Sharon & Dale Evans
- FNBO
- Anita Fuerst
- Ellen Beulah Hackett Trust
- J. & Steve Irving
- Jeannie & Robert Johnson
- Yvonne Johnson*
- Suzanne & David Juday
- Sherrie* & Terry Martin
- Lucille & Roland Matteson*
- Bill Nicklas
- Northwestern Medicine
- Old National Bank
- Lynn & Doug Roberts
- Mary & Charlie Roberts*
- Douglas C. & Lynn M. Roberts Family Foundation
- Ronald Sweet, Sr.
- Sycamore Depository for Charities Inc.
- Evelyn & Joe Bussone*
- Nancy D. Castle
- Compeer Financial
- The George & Betty Dutton Foundation
- IDEAL Industries
- Judy Jobe*
- In Memory of Suzanne K. Lewis
- Linda Mason
- Lucille Matteson
- Diane McNeilly* & Norman Jenkins, Sr. *
- Nancy & Tom Roberts*
- Ted Rosenow
- Dorothy & Vernon Smith*
- Kathy & Ken Spears
- Sycamore Cinco de Mayo/Jesus Romero
- Norma and Robert Wildenradt
- 3M Foundation
- Fran & Albert Besserman
- Laurie & Mark Borowicz
- Susan & Thomas Choice
- Dorothy Clegg
- Edward W. Deeke Trust
- Demonica Kemper Architects
- Susan & Ken Doubler
- Enbridge
- Francis Meyer Charitable Lead Unitrust
- Goodwill Northern Illinois
- Heartland Bank & Trust Company
- Illinois Community College System Foundation
- Joanne Kantner
- Mary Ann & David Louis
- META
- Bonnie & William Mullins
- Nancy & William Plate
- Nancy Pool
- Desa Henn Memorial
- R.J. Galla Co. Inc.
- Robbins Schwartz
- Rochelle Community Hospital Association
- Rockford Health System
- Verizon
- Kathy & Al* Watkins
- Fred Willrett, Jr.*
- Abbott Laboratories Fund
- AG Communication Systems
- Aramark Management
- Margaret Baack*
- Elaine & Michael Bennett
- Doris & Robert Boey
- Jan Bradbury
- Pamela & Cecil Brown
- Castle Printech
- Central Bank
- Evelina & Steve Cichy
- City of Rochelle
- Norma & Michael Cornell
- Crum-Halsted Agency
- Brian, Katrina & Jessica Davis
- DeKalb Area Garden Club
- First State Bank
- Marion & Norman Gilbert
- Kayte & Brody Hamel
- Diane & Robert Hammon
- Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
- John W. & Barbara A. Dant Charitable Foundation
- Lorna Johnson
- Kathleen & Richard Katz
- Lynne King Roberts
- Ronald Klein
- Donna & John Larson
- Barbara Leach
- Lions Club of Malta
- John R. McCormick Trust
- Ashley & RJ McGarry
- Midwest Energy
- Lenore Nye
- Philip H. Nye, Jr.
- Oak Crest Retirement Center
- Jane Ovitz
- Janice Owens
- Doris Piatak
- Sara & Loyd Pohl
- Mary & Robert Pritchard
- Nancy & Ronald Proesel
- Joseph Przybyla
- Resource Bank
- Charles Rood
- Peter Rood
- Marilyn & Ronald W. Rood
- Memorial of William & Emiline Rood Family
- Michelle & Gary Rothmeyer
- Shales McNutt Construction
- Deanie & Les Springmire Memorial
- Kay & Bud Stocking Memorial
- The Suter Company
- Verizon Foundation
*denotes deceased
Annual Donor Giving
Recognizing donors for Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025).
- Frances & Albert Besserman
- Chris & Katherine Boulos Foundation
- Jane Danielson
- DeKalb County Community Foundation
- META
- Ted Rosenow
- Anita Fuerst
- T.J. & Steve Irving
- Jeannie & Robert Johnson
- Bill Nicklas
- Old National Bank
- Janice Owens
- Nancy Pool
- 3M Foundation
- Elaine & Michael Bennett
- Laurie & Mark Borowicz
- City of Rochelle
- Compeer Financial
- Crum-Halsted Agency
- The George & Betty Dutton Foundation
- Enbridge
- FNBO
- Kayte & Brody Hamel
- Ron Hutter
- Illinois Community College System Foundation
- Suzanne & David Juday
- Joanne Kantner
- Kunes Auto Group
- Barbara Leach
- Mary Anne & David Louis
- Marcie Martin
- Linda Mason
- Ashley & RJ McGarry
- Northwestern Medicine
- Joseph Przybyla
- Robbins Schwartz
- Charles Rood
- Michelle & Gary Rothmeyer
- Kathy & Ken Spears
- Syngenta
- Kathy Watkins
- West Side Tractor Sales
- Norma & Robert Wildenradt
- Zekelman Industries
- 20/10 Engineering Group LLC
- Dave Baker
- Amy & Cohen Barnes
- Pamelia & Cecil Brown
- Central Bank
- Susan & Tom Choice
- Norma & Michael Cornell
- Cresswood Shredding Machinery
- Dominick Demonica
- Demonica Kemper Architects
- Marion & Norman Gilbert
- Goodwill Northern Illinois
- Diane & Robert Hammon
- Illinois Community Credit Union
- Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
- Diane McNeilly* & Norman Jenkins, Sr.*
- Anastasiya & Cole Johnson
- Lynne King Roberts
- Ronald Klein
- QC Creative Inc
- Doris Piatak
- Pulse Technology
- Marilyn & Ronald W. Rood
- Jane & Ronald Schaeffer
- Angie & Bruce Seldal
- The Suter Company
- Linda & Dave VanBuren
- Matt Weibel
- Weichert Signature
- Professionals Realtors
- Maurita & Roger Williams
- Blumen Gardens
- Ann & William J. Bordenet
- Beverlee Brisbin
- Diane Broadley
- Ellen & Jack Cress
- Minerva Garcia Sanchez & Horacio Sanchez
- Jill & Greg Fletcher
- Grand Victorian
- Tom Hall
- Heartland Bank & Trust Company
- Kathy & Richard Katz
- Joyce & Robert Lewis
- Linda Linden
- Patsy & Bill Lundberg
- Mary Lynn & Jerry McArtor
- Tania Nezrick
- Cynthia Prendergast
- Rochelle Rotary Club
- Rockford Garden Club
- Kathy Schnier
- Cortney Strohacker
- Tom Sparks Auto
- Altrusa International of DeKalb County
- Melissa Amedeo
- Tia Anderson
- Nancy* & Larry Apperson
- Phyllis Barshinger
- Lorna & Ron Bemis
- Susan & Donald Bergsrud
- Jaime & Chase Budziak
- Lisa Carlsen
- China House
- Leslie Ciaccio
- Kathleen & Dennis Connor
- Kathy & Curtis Countryman
- Anna Marie Coveny
- Matthew Crull
- Kim Czaruk
- Christine & Steve DeVlieger
- Susan & Ken Doubler
- Jodie Elliott
- Pat & Steve Faivre
- Mary & Doug Foland
- Melissa Gallagher
- Justin Gifford
- Anne-Marie & Brian Green
- Laura & Brian Gregory
- Jennifer & Eric Groce
- Karen & Dan Hamingson
- Kendall Hampton
- Geri-Dee & Tim Hayden
- Laurie & Tim Hoecherl
- Holcomb Bank
- Char Johnson
- Amy & Dennis Johnson
- Magnolia Jones
- Kim & Jason Jordal
- Kishwaukee United Way
- LaCretia Kanan
- Tim Lockman
- Frances Loubere
- Heather Marks & Cliff Sanderlin
- Katherine McLaughlin
- Kirk Moll
- Tricia Myers
- Philip H. Nye Jr.
- OL T Marketing
- Connie Pettenger
- Mary & Robert Pritchard
- Suzie & Bernie Pupino
- Carol & David Quenett
- Sandy & Jim Quiram
- Marilyn & Chuck Rexroat
- Jessica Santillan-Reyes & David Reyes
- Kyra Rider
- Peter Rood
- Brittany & Michael Sand
- Susan Sawicki
- Berni Schelkopf
- Karen Schmitt & Chuck Nystrom
- Ging & Jerry Smith
- Santina & Guy Swiger
- Alexa & Terrie Tuntland
- Verizon Foundation
- Savannah Walsh
- Marissa & Sean Walters
- Courtney & Eric Walz
- Amelia Wason
- Ann Werhane
- Nicole Williams
- Carol & Jerrold Zar
- Sandra Zewe
- Backflow Testing Services, Inc.
- Banner Up Signs
- Elizabeth & Charles Barnett
- Dina & John Bearrows
- Celine Bennetts
- Jessica Berek
- Chad Bergeson
- Blackhawk Moving & Storage
- Laurie Brown
- Tonda Bruch
- Emily Cahill
- Cheryl & Paul Callighan
- Edwin Camargo
- Ron Cerutti Jr.
- Scott Conro
- Elizabeth & Judson Curry
- D & D Jewelers
- Abby D' Agosti n
- Margaret D'Andrea
- De Kaib Meehan ical
- Helen & Thomas Duffy
- Blanca Flores
- Terry Lyn Funston
- Rudy Galindo
- Jennifer Garden
- Jescelynne Gibbons
- Chris Gilbert
- Sara E. Hall
- Laura Harcar
- Headon & Sons Inc.
- Jessica & Adam Honiotes
- Kristin & Ryan Janisch
- Shelley Johnson
- Cathy King
- Janis & Thomas Kirts
- Knie Appliance & TV, Inc.
- Tracy & Steve Komadina
- Mike Lambert
- Lincoln Inn
- Helen & Joel Maurer
- Joanne & David Moody
- Carolyn Moseley
- MVP's Sports Club
- O'Connell RV Campground
- Ollie's Frozen Custard
- Prairie View Golf Club
- Noah Reisetter
- Nicole & Kris Rissman
- Kimberly Rotella
- Barbara & Paul Salvatore
- Kate & Clint Shaw-Dickey
- Melissa & Gregory Shere
- Sarah Shumway
- Kelli & Max Sinclair
- Andrew Small
- Vicki Snyder-Chura
- Gene St. Louis
- STAa Logistics LLC
- Tara Tenorio
- Rose Treml
- Lindsey Valenzuela
- Brett Williams
*denotes deceased
Foundation Funds
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).
Ault Family Memorial Endowment
This fund is to be used for the needs of the College. No restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
Nancy D. Castle Scholarship
This fund provides scholarships for students.
The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John & Barbara Dant Memorial Endowment
This fund provides financial support for the needs of the Math or English departments.
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.
DeKalb Area Garden Club Endowment
The 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 Scholarship
This 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 Fund
This 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.
George E. Dutton & Betty B. Dutton Foundation Endowment
This endowment provides financial support to students.
Enbridge Pipeline Industry Awareness Scholarship
This 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.
Dorothy Englehart Endowment
Funds are to be used for buildings and equipment.
The Founder’s Endowment
This 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.
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois Scholarship
Goodwill created this scholarship fund to help individuals with disabilities access higher education and achieve their employment goals.
Barry Haber Kiwanis Club of DeKalb
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).
Beulah & Roberta Hackett Endowment
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 Endowment
This fund provides annual support to nursing students.
Heartland Bank Education Matters Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled or enrolling in Business, Finance, Education, Nursing or Technology who demonstrate financial need.
Jeanne M. Henderson Memorial Endowment
This 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.
Pat Humo Nursing Scholarship
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.
Irving Family Scholarship
This fund supports students who have committed to career training that will bring them greater financial success.
Norman Jenkins Presidential Endowment
This fund benefits Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) at the discretion of their advisors to further enhance academic activities.
LaVerne “Dutch” Johnson Endowment
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.
Yvonne A. Johnson Endowment for Community Education
This fund supports programmatic needs in the Fine Arts & Communication, Science, and Horticulture programs.
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.
Kishwaukee College Alumni Association Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to residents of the Kishwaukee College district who are enrolled at Kish for the upcoming semester.
Kishwaukee College Athletics Fund
This fund supports the Kishwaukee College Athletic Campaign, which began in 2019–2020.
Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees Scholarship
The 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 Employee Give Scholarship
A 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.
Kishwaukee College First-Generation Scholarship
This 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.
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.
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.
Law Enforcement Lifelong Learning Scholarship
This 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.
Scott D. Leach Memorial Fund
This fund will be used to provide scholarship support for adults who enroll in at least one welding course.
Leifheit Literacy Endowment
This endowment supports adult and family literacy programs at Kishwaukee College.
Doris V. & Suzanne K. Lewis Memorial Endowment
This fund supports the Kishwaukee College Nursing program.
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.
Frances Loubere Ally Activist Scholarship
This fund provides scholarships to incoming or currently enrolled students based on the recommendation from the Committee on Gender and Sexuality Diversity (GSD). The fund is named after a retired Kishwaukee College employee who was an advocate for equality for all students.
Dr. David Louis Presidential Endowment
This unrestricted fund can be used as needed by the College.
Donald C. Mack Scholarship
This 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.
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.
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.
Rowland & Lucile Matteson Endowment
This 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 Scholarship
Scholarships 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 Endowment
This 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 Scholarship
This scholarship is for incoming or currently enrolled full-time students seeking a certificate or degree in Automotive Technology.
Frank Moore Memorial Fund
This fund supports program enhancements in the science departments.
Howard & Martha Mullins Memorial Endowment for Nursing
As 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.
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.
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.
Philip H. Nye Scholarship
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.).
O’Meara & Schaeffer Nursing Endowment
This fund supports students enrolled in the Nursing program.
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.
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.
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.
Ruth Ashelford Pollock Horticulture Fund
The fund provides scholarships for students enrolled in the Kishwaukee College Horticulture or Agriculture programs.
Ruth Ashelford Pollock Nursing Fund
The fund provides scholarships for students enrolled in the Kishwaukee College Nursing program who have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Edmond & Nancy Pool Family Scholarship
This 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 Scholarship
This fund is for a returning or continuing students at Kishwaukee College. Funds are held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
Earl & Jeanne Pritchard Scholarship
This 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
Scholarships are awarded to full-time students who have demonstrated financial need.
Charles & Mary Roberts Memorial Endowment; also Charles & Mary Roberts Memorial Endowment for Nursing
This 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 Endowment
Scholarships 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.
Mathew J. Rood DPT Scholarship
The 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.
William & Emiline Rood Family Scholarship
This 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.
Edward J. Rosenow Memorial Scholarship
This fund provides scholarship support for DeKalb High School graduates, with preference given to students pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs such as Automotive Technology, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Diesel Power Technology, EMS, Manufacturing Technology and Welding. Similar career-focused programs may also qualify.
Cheryl Safford-Sawallisch Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund
The scholarship in memory of Cheryl Safford-Sawallisch was established by her children to honor her time here in the nursing program. The fund was established to provide support to students enrolled in the nursing program with preference given to single parents in financial need.
James Salomone Fuerst Endowment
This 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.
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.
Paul J. Smith Memorial Endowment
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.
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.
Vernon & Dorothy Smith Memorial Scholarship
Awards 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 Endowment
This 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 Endowment
Scholarships 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.
Stoltz-Caruthers Family Scholarship
This scholarship is for full-time students who have completed 12 or more credit hours at Kishwaukee College.
The Suter Company Endowment
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.
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.
Sycamore Hospital Physicians Nursing Scholarship
This 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 Endowment
This scholarship provides assistance for students who have undergone extreme hardship.
Robert & Norma Wildenradt Endowment
This fund provides scholarships and program enhancement support for the Agribusiness Program.
The Rebecca Williams Memorial Scholarship
This 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.
Willrett Scholarship Endowment
This fund is to be used for the needs of the College.
Foundation Newsletter
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Financials
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 FY25 Report (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) (PDF).