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 Enhancement.

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.

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.

The 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, Ornamental 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 Radiology 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.

Edward W. Deeke Endowment

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 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 died 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.

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.

Enbridge Pipeline Industry Awareness Scholarship

This fund was established to provide scholarship support to students from DeKalb, Boone or La Salle counties who are studying Automated Engineering or welding-related disciplines and have an interest in pursuing a career in the pipeline industry. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Harold C. Flanigan Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was created in honor of Mr. Flanigan, who was a former superintendent of Hiawatha school district and the first business manager of Kishwaukee College, is designed for graduates of the Hiawatha High School who are attending Kishwaukee College.

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.

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.

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
Scholarship for recent DHS graduates attending Kishwaukee College, beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, who have demonstrated a service “beyond self” orientation during their high school career.

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 scholarships to nursing students.

Nancy Heal Memorial Altrusa Scholarship 
This scholarship, in memory of Nancy Heal, provides support to returning adult learners with financial need.

Heartland Bank Community Enhancement Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled or enrolling in Business, Finance, Education, Nursing or Technology who can demonstrate financial need.

Jeanne M. Henderson Memorial Endowment

This fund was established in memory of Kishwaukee 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 longtime 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. 

Stephen P. Irving Family Fund
This fund supports students who have committed to career training that will bring them greater financial success.

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 the Agribusiness curriculum at the college.

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.

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 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 Engineering Scholarship

An anonymous donor created this scholarship for second-year Engineering students with financial need.

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.

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.

Doris V. & Suzanne K. Lewis Memorial Endowment
This scholarship is designed for students who have been accepted into the Kishwaukee College Nursing Program.

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 Sexual Diversity (GSD). The fund is named after a retired Kish employee who was an advocate for equality for all students.

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.

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.

Howard & Martha Mullins Memorial Endowment for Nursing

As a founding board member for the 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 provide flexibility in support of the changing needs of healthcare, students, and higher education, fund can be used for scholarships or operational support.

Joyce A. Nicklas Memorial Scholarship 
Dr. F. 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 Scholarship Fund

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 awards scholarships to 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.

Marie Ann Pierce Memorial Endowment
This fund provides scholarships for students accepted in the Kishwaukee College Nursing Program or enrolled in the Radiology Program.

Ruth Ashelford Pollock Agriculture 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.

The Edmund & 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 student 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 Fund

Scholarships are awarded to full-time students who have demonstrated financial need.

Charles & Mary Roberts Memorial Endowment/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.

Jesus Romero Hispanic Scholarship

Jesus 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 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.

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.

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.

Velta Smith Nursing Endowment

Scholarships are awarded to students who have been accepted into the Kishwaukee College Nursing Program. The fund may also be used for program enhancement.

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 enhancement 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.

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.

The Suter Company Endowment

This scholarship is designed to be awarded to students at Kishwaukee College 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 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.

Champions for Students Fund
This fund was established by anonymous donors who are dedicated supporters of the College and used for emergency grants to students.

Evelina Jose Cichy Endowment
Evelina Cichy started this fund in honor of her many years of service to Kishwaukee College. The fund is used to help 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. & Betty B. Dutton Foundation Endowment 
The George & Betty Dutton Foundation Endowment provides financial support to students . 

Norman Jenkins Presidential Endowment
This fund benefits Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society at the discretion of their advisors to further enhance their activities.

Yvonne A. Johnson Endowment for Community Education
This fund is used for programmatic needs for the Fine Arts & Communication Programs, Science Program and Horticulture Program.

Kishwaukee College Athletics Fund
This fund is used for the Kishwaukee College Athletic Campaign, which started in 2019/2020..

Leifheit Literacy Endowment
This endowment supports the adult and family literacy programs at Kishwaukee College.

Library Endowment Fund
This fund was started 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 established to ensure a legacy of lifelong learning for future generations by increasing access to community education opportunities through scholarships.

Terry & Sherrie Martin Health & Science Endowment
This fund was born out of a deep commitment to education and strong faith in the values of Kishwaukee College. Proceeds of the endowment are used for program enhancements for the Allied Health or Science programs.

Terry & Sherrie Martin Endowment
This endowment supports the PTK Hallmark Award at Kishwaukee College.

Frank Moore Memorial Fund
The fund was established to support program enhancements in the science departments.

Robert L. “Smitty” Smith Assistantship
The fund was established to honor Robert L. Smith who was a highly regarded faculty member in the science department during Kishwaukee College’s early years from 1968 to 1975. It will support a student assistantship in STEM programs.

Dr. Robert & Jan Bradbury Endowment
The fund is used to provide the Kishwaukee College Foundation Board of Directors flexibility in meeting urgent and changing needs in the Kishwaukee College district.

Thomas & Susan Choice Endowment
Through this endowment, former Kishwaukee College President Thomas Choice and his wife, Susan, have chosen to create a lasting commitment to the ideals and aspirations that higher education represents. The funds are to be used at the discretion of the Foundation Board of Directors to support the needs of the College.

Ault Family Memorial Endowment
This fund is to be used for needs of the College. No restrictions.

Dorothy Englehart Endowment
Funds are to be used for buildings and equipment.

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.

Dr. David Louis Presidential Endowment
This unrestricted fund can be used as needed by the College.

Matteson General Endowment
The fund is to be used for capital or other educational purposes. Corpus of fund is held with the DeKalb County Community Foundation.

Willrett Scholarship Endowment
The fund is to be used for needs of the College.