The Kishwaukee College Foundation has established a new scholarship honoring longtime
Marketing & Management instructor Desa Henn.
The scholarship will provide support for in-district Kish students who demonstrate
financial need. Henn’s family and friends recently contributed the initial endowment
to support the scholarship.
“Education is very highly regarded in our family. The reason we chose Kishwaukee College
for the scholarship was because our mother loved teaching there and sharing her passion
and expertise for local retail and small business,” said Nancy Plate, Henn’s daughter.
Henn taught Marketing & Management courses at Kishwaukee College from 1979-1992. Additionally,
she was a longtime entrepreneur in the DeKalb community as the owner of her store,
Desa’s Vendome. She was also a prominent figure in many retail stores, including House
of Joy, Elsa’s Gift Shop and Moxie.
“She loved working in the DeKalb community and was so energized by the enthusiasm
of her Kish students,” Plate said.
“This generous donation will greatly benefit the students of Kishwaukee College. The
Foundation is proud to work with Desa Henn’s family to honor her legacy and support
Kish students,” said Dr. Kayte Hamel, Executive Director of the Kishwaukee College
Foundation.
To contribute or learn more about Kishwaukee College Scholarships, visit www.kish.edu/kcfscholarships.