Over the last several months, the Kishwaukee College Foundation has secured fund agreements that have resulted in three new scholarships to support Kishwaukee College students.
The James Salomone Fuerst Culinary Endowment, made possible by donors Carl and Anita Fuerst, will provide annual scholarships to students actively pursuing a degree or certificate in the hospitality and culinary program. Chef James (Jim) worked in construction until his late-thirties, when he decided to pursue his life-long passion for cooking by attending culinary school. “The scholarship is an extension of how Jim lived his life,” says mother Anita Fuerst. “He was always so selfless and was a huge influencer to the chefs who were learning under him. He always gave of himself.”
The Law Enforcement Emergency Medical Services Scholarship is designated for the EMS program, with preference given to a current police officer enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician course. Donor Joe Przybyla, is an instructor in the Criminal Justice and EMS programs and current police officer. Przybyla explains, “Often police officers are the first responder on the scene of a serious medical incident. By training officers to be EMT's, we can help in those precious minutes before an ambulance arrives and provide care that will save lives.”
The Forging Foundation Scholarship supports students in manufacturing and industrial programs and is a result of a newly formed partnership with the Forging Industry Foundation. According to the Forging Industry Association, “Forging is a manufacturing process where metal is pressed, pounded or squeezed under great pressure into high strength parts known as forgings.” Forgings are commonly found in airplanes, tractors, and automobiles. Scholarship seeks to provide financial assistance to students and build a pipeline of the best and brightest future employees for the forging industry.
The Foundation works closely with donors to develop meaningful scholarships and agreements that support their unique philanthropic goals, while supporting the mission of Kishwaukee College. “We are excited for these new opportunities for the fall. The Foundation is encouraged and grateful to donors and partners who continue to support our students and the Kishwaukee College mission; especially during these unique and uncertain times,” says Dr. Kayte Hamel, Executive Director of the Kishwaukee College Foundation.
Each of the new scholarships have varying eligibility requirements and submission criteria including GPA, enrollment in a specific number of credit hours, or completion of short essays. For more information on the Kishwaukee College Foundation, including available scholarships, visit www.kish.edu/about/foundation/. Foundation scholarship applications for Spring 2021 will be available beginning September 14.