Category: Scholarship Awards

Several Central Iowa families had an extra special reason to honor family members who have served in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day. Because members of their families chose to serve in the Armed Forces, 13 Marshalltown Community College students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships.

The Committee awarded seven full tuition and fees scholarships (up to 16 hours) to the following recipients for the 2017-2018 academic year: Samuel Brintnall, Dean Etzel, Denali Gardner, Raechel Hannam, Ryan Hass, Samantha Lammert, and David Seuss. $2,500 scholarships were awarded to Kara Braud, Katelyn Choate, Christopher Gummert, James Mason, Kellie Matney and Cooper White. The total value of the 13 scholarships is more than $57,000.

Continue reading “Thirteen Fairall Memorial Scholarships Awarded”

Stephanie Taylor of Marshalltown has been selected as the first recipient of the new Doris Maxfield Memorial Nursing Scholarship. A $60,000 gift from the estate of Doris Maxfield was invested to create a $5,000 scholarship for students in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/RN) program at Marshalltown Community College.

One outstanding ADN student will be selected by the MCC Nursing faculty each year to receive $5,000 toward his or her tuition and fees, until such time as the fund is exhausted.

Continue reading “First-Ever Doris Maxfield Memorial Scholarship Awarded”

Since 1983, outstanding students in Marshalltown Community College’s nursing program have been honored with a scholarship from the Anna and Harry Paul memorial fund.
Applicants for the Paul Memorial Nursing Scholarship must be accepted into MCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program and meet these criteria:

• Marshall County high school graduate or current resident of the county
• Involvement in extracurricular or community activities
• Show good writing and communication skills through their application
• Show evidence of religious faith
• Have financial need

Molly Barker of Marshalltown has been awarded a $3,700 scholarship, and Elizabeth Hendershott of Marshalltown has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year.

Donors wishing to contribute to or establish scholarship funds are encouraged to contact MCC Foundation Executive Director Carol Geil for more information at 641-844-5747 or carol.geil@iavalley.edu. Gifts to the MCC Foundation are always tax-exempt.

Marshalltown Community College has announced the winner of the Willows of Marshalltown Scholarship, a new scholarship awarded for the first time this fall. Ashley Hala, of Marshalltown High School, has a 3.4 GPA and plans to enroll in pre-pharmacy classes and eventually transfer to the University of Iowa to continue towards a pharmacy degree. She has already accumulated many college credits through the dual-credit class offerings at MHS through MCC. Ashley is the daughter of Traci Hala of Marshalltown.

The Willows president, Ben Daniels, welcomes the opportunity to help the community through MCC. “We want to support our city and work together to build a thriving community for everyone in Marshalltown. We’re building a wonderful place at The Willows to care for mom and dad right here at home in Marshalltown. We believe that our young people play an important role in building a strong community and we are offering this scholarship to help further their dreams right here at home too.”

Continue reading “Willows of Marshalltown Awards First Scholarship”

2^nd Annual Medina Family Scholarships awarded

MARSHALLTOWN – Alfonso Medina Jr. came to the Marshalltown Community College campus last week to award the second annual Medina Family Scholarship to two MCC students. Recipients of the $400 scholarship are Cole Langenbau and Olga Avalos.

“I created this scholarship to give back to Marshalltown. I graduated from Marshalltown High School and went to Marshalltown Community College so I wanted to create something that helped this community,” says Alfonso Medina Jr. “Thanks to our business ventures in the area we will continue to promote good citizenship and values for other businesses to follow as they progress in this community as well.”

“Being selected as one of the recipients of the Medina scholarship means a road to my future,” says Olga Avalos. “I want to continue my education and not let anything stop me from achieving who I want to be. I want to one day remember all those obstacles that I had to surpass to become the person who people look up to.”

Donors wishing to contribute to or establish scholarship funds are encouraged to contact MCC Foundation Executive Director Carol Geil for more information at 641-844-5747 or Carol.Geil@iavalley.edu. Gifts to the MCC Foundation are always tax-exempt!

PHOTO CAPTION:  Alfonso Medina Jr. (middle) presents the Medina Family Scholarship to MCC Students Cole Langenbau (left) and Olga Avalos (right).

Several Central Iowa families had an extra special reason to honor family members who have served in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day. Because members of their families chose to serve in the Armed Forces, these students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships. 

The Committee awarded seven full tuition & fees scholarships (up to 16 hours) to the following recipients for the 2016-2017 academic year: Colin Crumrine, Dean Etzel, Kloey Fairall-Mason, Reggie Gradwell, Raechel Hannam, Ryan Hass, and Alison Shore. Partial scholarships were awarded to Lucas Hileman, Rando Jo Jones, and Lucas Reinert.

For the fourteenth year, the American Legion Scholarship Committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 81 MCC students have received the Fairall Memorial scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions of American Legion Post #46 and was Commander in 1956. The award honors all of the men and women who are or have served their country so faithfully through the years. 

“My father established this scholarship to honor his father’s service, and the service of all veterans. An education and service to country are the legacy my father and grandfather wanted to preserve,” says Kelley Fairall Fifer, daughter of Charles Fairall, and granddaughter of Loyal S. Fairall. “We’re pleased to give out 10 scholarships this year, the most we’ve ever offered.”

Applicants for the Fairall Memorial Scholarship must meet criteria of having family members who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Members of the American Legion Scholarship Committee Kelley Fairall Fifer, Jeff Heiden and Vic Hellberg selected the students after carefully evaluating many applicants.

Colin Crumrine, son of Harris Crumrine and Laurie Springer, graduated from Marshalltown High School (MHS) in 2015, and has been attending MCC the past year. Colin’s grandfather Kenneth Crumrine served in the Army from 1950-52 as a building foreman for the Engineers. Colin has been involved in cross-country, basketball, track and baseball in school as well as being active with his church and was a summer camp counselor for children with disabilities. At MCC he’s studying information technology and plans to transfer to Iowa State to continue on to a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

Dean Etzel, son of Deb Etzel, graduated from Alburnett High School this year. Dean’s grandfather, Larry Luke, served in the Marine Corps from 1960-63. Dean has been very involved in the Alburnett FFA, including serving as the chapter vice president and then president. He also earned the Iowa FFA degree, the organizations highest honor. Dean is excited about entering the Gunsmith Technology program at MCC’s Grinnell campus.

Kloey Fairall-Mason, daughter of Kendra Monk and the late Gordon Mason, is a 2016 graduate of East Marshall High School. You’ll recognize the last name, because it was Kloey’s grandfather, Charles Fairall, who established this scholarship. Kloey has been active in high school in volleyball, club volleyball, and soccer, and was the recipient of the Pride and Dedication Award for Volleyball. She has been working at a nursing home and plans to pursue a career as a social worker.

Reggie Gradwell, son of Jim and Wendy Gradwell of Marshalltown, is a 2014 graduate of West Marshall High School. He is a member of the MCC Men’s Basketball Team, and his coach speaks highly of him and recommended him for this scholarship. His grandfather, James Gradwell, served in the Air Force from 1963 – 67 as an airplane mechanic. Reggie is working on completing his A.A. degree, and he hopes to transfer to a 4-year college and continue to play basketball.

Raechel Hannam, daughter of Joe and Peggy Hannam of Marshalltown, is a 2016 graduate of MHS. Her grandfather, William H. McCurdy, served in the U.S. Army until 1962. Raechel has been very active at MHS, including volunteering for ARC, sports teams and community groups like Oktemberfest, Food Bank and Roundhouse Renovation. At MCC she plans to get an associate’s degree and then transfer to Iowa State University for a bachelor’s degree.

Ryan Hass, son of Jason and Jennifer Hass, graduated from MHS this year with a 3.6 GPA. His grandfather, Robert Hass, served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57. Ryan has been active in football, swimming and baseball, receiving academic, all-state and coaches awards in the process. He’s also volunteered locally for the Salvation Army and several youth sport camps. Ryan looks forward to graduating from MCC and continuing on at a 4-year institution after that.

Lucas Hileman, son of Randy and Sue Hileman of Pella, is a 2016 graduate of Pella High School. His grandfather, Leo Nikkel, served in the U.S. Army from 1952-54. Lucas has been active in baseball as a pitcher, earning many athletic honors. He’s also volunteered to help with concession stands, e-cycling events, and the famous “Thursday Nights in Pella” on the square. He has discovered a passion for criminal justice through a class in high school and now is considering a career as a police officer.

Randi Jo Jones is the daughter of Linda and Darrell Novotny of Garwin, wife of Scott Jones of Marshalltown, and mother to four children. She was a 2000 graduate of GMG High School and has been attending MCC in the nursing program for two years with a 3.3 cumulative GPA. Randi’s grandfather, George Kunch, served our country in the Navy from 1951-55 as an electrician. Randi has been working at the Iowa Veterans Home for 16 years where her grandfather currently resides. Randi hopes to eventually complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at the University of Iowa.

Lucas Reinert, son of Kurt and Connie Reinert of Marshalltown, is a 2014 graduate of MHS. Both of Lucas’ grandfathers served in the armed forces. Wallace Reinert served in the Army from 1951-53 and received three Bronze Service Stars while in Korea. Clarence Miller served in the Army until 1961. In addition, Lucas’ great-grandfather, William Miller, served in the Army from 1918-19. Lucas has been active in high school in student senate, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and BLITZ leadership group. He has been working hard in MCC’s welding program and someday hopes to own his own welding business.

Allison Shore, daughter of Tim and Marcia Shore of Marshalltown, is a 2005 graduate of MHS. She has been attending classes at MCC and currently holds a 4.0 GPA. Allison’s grandfather, Bill Shore, served in the Army in an artillery battalion in WWII from 1945-46 and served overseas. He was awarded a WWII Victory Medal. Her family’s local small business has been involved in the community through the Roundhouse project, Relay for Life, BACA, and the Iowa Veteran’s Home.

Applications for the 2017-18 scholarship will be available from the MCC Financial Aid office, 3700 S. Center St., Marshalltown, or the American Legion Post #46, PO Box 157, Marshalltown, IA 50158 after January 1 of 2017. Completed forms will due to the Legion Scholarship Committee by March 1.

Creating a memorial scholarship is one way to establish a legacy and financially assist MCC students and future students with their education. Anyone interested in learning more about starting a scholarship at MCC can contact Carol Geil, at 641-844-5747.

PHOTO CAPTION: 2016-2017 Fairall Scholarship Winners

Front row L-R: Jeff Heiden (committee member), Kelley Fairall Fifer (committee member), Kloey Fairall-Mason, Randi Jo Jones, Raechel Hannam, Allison Shore.

Back row L-R: Colin Crumrine, Reggie Gradwell, Lucas Reinert, Dean Etzel, Lucas Hileman, Ryan Hass. (not pictured is Vic Hellberg)

Several Central Iowa families had an extra special reason to honor family members who have served in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day. Because members of their families chose to serve in the Armed Forces, these students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships.

The Fairall Memorial Scholarships provide full tuition and fees for 16 credit hours a semester, for the 2015-2016 academic year at Marshalltown Community College. Recipients are: Ashley Bond, Ellis Buchwald, Kathleen McHenry, and Breanna Stewart. $2,500 annual awards will be given to Ryan Flynn, Miranda Smith and Lexie Valentine.

For the thirteenth year, the American Legion Scholarship Committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 71 MCC students have received the Fairall Memorial scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions of American Legion Post #46 and was Commander in 1956. The award honors all of the men and women who are or have served their country so faithfully through the years.

“I challenge the students awarded with the Fairall Memorial Scholarship to make the most of the opportunity before them,” says Kelley Fairall Fifer, daughter of Charles Fairall, and granddaughter of Loyal S. Fairall. “An education and service to country are the legacy my father and grandfather wanted to preserve. With 71 scholarships awarded since 2002, the scholarship is doing both.”

Applicants for the Fairall Memorial Scholarship must meet criteria of having family members who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Members of the American Legion Scholarship Committee Kelley Fairall Fifer, Jeff Heiden and Vic Hellberg selected the students after carefully evaluating many applicants.

Carol Geil, MCC Foundation Executive Director, welcomed the students and their families; “There is a legacy of commitment to important values within the Fairall family. Two of their most strongly held values are education, and service to country. By creating this scholarship fund, they have combined their commitment to these values and honor these other families’ service to country by giving educational assistance to a college student in the family.”

Ashley Bond, daughter of Roger Poe and Betty Westling, is a 2002 graduate of BCLUW High School. She has two grandfathers who served in the military. Roger Poe served with the US Army and Army Reserve from 1971-1974 as an auto mechanic. Ashley hopes to eventually earn her Bachelor of Nursing degree and work in the NICU of a hospital.

Ellis Buchwald, son of Robert and Laurie Buchwald, graduated from Marshalltown High School (MHS) this year. His grandfather, Arthur Buchwald, served in the Army in 1954 and then transferred to the Army Reserve until 1962. His maternal grandfather, A.J. Ream, also served in the Army and Army Reserve, receiving his honorable discharge in 1963. After MCC, Ellis plans to transfer to the University of Iowa to pursue International Business. He plans to play soccer at MCC in the fall.

Ryan Flynn, son of Kenneth and Connie Flynn, graduated from Hartey Melvin-Sanborn Community Schools in 2014. He attended MCC this past year, achieving a 4.0 GPA. Ryan’s grandfather, Robert Lee Harson, served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1945-46. Ryan plans to continue his studies in Human Services and eventually wants to become a pharmacist.

Kathleen McHenry, daughter of Kim and Jerry McHenry, is a 2014 graduate of MHS. Her great-grandfather, Fritz Rose, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Kathleen has participated in swimming and diving, track, and dance. She is involved in MCC Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society, and is the president of the GLBTQ Alliance on campus.

Miranda Smith, daughter of Darren and Doreen Smith, is a 2013 graduate of MHS. Miranda has been working her way through the nursing programs at MCC since graduating, and has passed the LPN program and its associated boards this spring. Her grandfather, Rudy Frye, served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1960. She played volleyball her first year at MCC, but chose not to play her second year so she could focus on her heavy nursing class load. When she does find free time, she helps coach a 10th grade club volleyball team.

Breanna Stewart, daughter of Bryan and Tara Stewart, graduated this year from East Marshall High School. Her grandfather, Rex Sevcik, served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-63 as an engineman. Breanna has been involved in many activities during school, including student leadership roles, music, speech, and is also very active with her church.

Lexie Valentine, daughter of Donovan Valentine and Torie Bassett, is a 2015 graduate of Saydel High School in Des Moines. Lexie’s grandfather, Albert Valentine, served U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea from 1968-70. He returned home and continued serving his country in the National Guard until 2003, after 30 years of service. Lexie plans to study Criminal Justice at MCC, hoping to someday work with DNA for criminal investigations. She has also signed her letter of intent to play softball for the MCC Tigers.

Applications for the 2016-17 scholarship will be available from the MCC Financial Aid office, 3700 S. Center St., Marshalltown, or the American Legion Post #46, PO Box 157, Marshalltown, IA 50158 after January 1 of 2016. Completed forms will due to the Legion Scholarship Committee by March 1.

Creating a memorial scholarship is one way to establish a legacy and financially assist MCC students and future students with their education. Anyone interested in learning more about starting a scholarship at MCC can contact Carol Geil, at 641-844-5747.

PHOTO CAPTION: 2015-2016 Fairall Scholarship Winners
Front row L-R: Breanna Stewart, Ashley Bond, Lexie Valentine, Kathleen McHenry, Ellis Buchwald. Back row L-R: Kelley Fairall Fifer (committee member), Jeff Heiden (committee member), Miranda Smith, Ryan Flynn. (not pictured is Vic Hellberg)

MARSHALLTOWN – Alfonso Medina Jr. came to the Marshalltown Community College campus Wednesday afternoon to award the first ever Medina Family Scholarship to two MCC students. Recipients for the inaugural scholarship were Alma Silva Morales and Kari Paw. The scholarship is $400.

“I created this scholarship to give back to Marshalltown,” says Alfonso Medina Jr. “I graduated from Marshalltown High School, went to Marshalltown Community College so I wanted to create something that helped this community.”

“I’m excited about it, and I’m thankful because it will help me out a lot,” says Alma Silva Morales. “I graduate next year and am planning to go to Iowa State University to study Human Resources. I want to help others,” adds Morales.

“I’m very glad there’s a scholarship that can help me continue my education,” says Kari Paw. Paw is currently at MCC and plans on going to ISU after graduating.

Each participant was asked to write an essay about what the American Dream means to them.

“The scholarship is open to anybody,” says Medina. “All you have to do is write an essay on ‘The American Dream’ and what it means to you. These are the first two recipients of the scholarship so I’m very excited. Hopefully we can continue to do this every year.”

Medina says he’s doing this on behalf of his family, who owns and operates both El Portal and La Carreta in Marshalltown. After his time at MCC, Medina moved on to ISU to earn a degree in Hospitality Management.

Donors wishing to contribute to or establish scholarship funds are encouraged to contact MCC Foundation Executive Director Carol Geil for more information at 641-844-5747 or Carol.Geil@iavalley.edu. Gifts to the MCC Foundation are always tax-exempt!

PHOTO CAPTION:  Alfonso Medina Jr. (middle) presents the first ever Medina Family Scholarship to MCC Students Alma Silva Morales (left) and Kari Paw (right).

Twelfth Annual Fairall Memorial Scholarships Awarded

Several Central Iowa families had an extra special reason to honor family members who have served in the Armed Forces this Memorial Day. Because members of their families chose to serve in the Armed Forces, these students were eligible and eventually selected as recipients of the Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarships.

The Fairall Memorial Scholarships provide full tuition and fees for 16 credit hours a semester, for the 2014-2015 academic year at Marshalltown Community College. Recipients are: Emily Anker, Brenda Burrows, Emily Guymer, Samantha Mowrey, Rachel Noe, Andrew Potter, and Claire Underwood.

For the twelfth year the American Legion Scholarship Committee awarded the scholarships in memory of Loyal S. and Helen Fairall. In all, 64 MCC students have received the Fairall Memorial scholarships, something the Fairall family believes would have made Loyal very proud. Loyal served in leadership positions of American Legion Post #46 and was Commander in 1956. The award honors all of the men and women who are or have served their country so faithfully through the years.

Applicants for the Fairall Memorial Scholarship must meet criteria of having family members who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Members of the American Legion Scholarship Committee Kelley Fairall Fifer, Jeff Heiden and Vic Hellberg selected the students after carefully evaluating many applicants.

Carol Geil, MCC Foundation Executive Director, welcomed the students and their families; “There is a legacy of commitment to important values within the Fairall family. Two of their most strongly held values are education, and service to country. By creating this scholarship fund, they have combined their commitment to these values and honor these other families’ service to country by giving educational assistance to a college student in the family.”

Emily Anker, daughter of David and Kristie Anker of Earlham, graduated from Earlham Community High School in 2013. Emily’s father, David Anker, is a Navy Veteran and has been on Reserve Duty with the Iowa National Guard since 1988, including two post-9/11 deployments, with one overseas. This is the second year Emily has received the full-tuition scholarship and she’s extremely grateful for the opportunity. “Being a recipient of last year’s Loyal S. and Helen Fairall Memorial Scholarship allowed me to be a more active member of MCC and the Marshalltown community. After being so involved at my high school, it has been a joy to continue my involvement in sports, school activities, and clubs here at MCC.”

Brenda Burrows, daughter of Julian Pinon and Patricia Vargas of Tama, is in her second semester of MCC’s Practical Nursing Program. Brenda’s husband, Brandon, currently serves in the Iowa National Guard as a helicopter pilot and has served in overseas deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Emily Guymer, daughter of Jeff Guymer and Amy LeWarne of Marshalltown, is a 2013 graduate of Marshalltown High School. Emily’s Grandfather, Avis Hartsell, was a Master Sergeant in the Army during the Korean War from 1951-52. He served with the 45th and 369th Replacement Companies in Inchon. This is the second year Emily has received this prestigious scholarship. She plans to finish her A.A. degree at MCC and transfer to Iowa State University and pursue a degree in Education.

Samantha Mowrey, daughter of the late Richard Mowrey, and Brian and Christine Gould of Gladbrook, is a 2012 Green Mountain-Garwin High School graduate. She has already completed the Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medication Aide, and MCC’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. She currently works as an LPN at Primary Health Care in Marshalltown. Samantha intends to eventually obtain a Master’s Degree as a Nurse Practitioner. Her Grandfather, Harold Vajgrt, served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is the second year Samantha has received this scholarship.

Rachel Noe, daughter of Allan and Karen Noe, is a 2014 graduate of Marshalltown High School. Rachel was involved in many activities at MHS, including cheerleading, color guard/drill team, French club, and the Delegation for the Advancement of History. Rachel’s grandfather, Dohren Richardson, served in WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Richardson was also imprisoned in Stalag IV-B, a POW camp in Germany. Rachel’s paternal grandfather, Leroy Noe, also served during WWII from 1943-46.

Andrew Potter, son of Steve and Chris Potter, is a 2014 graduate of Marshalltown High School. Andrew’s grandparents, George and Annette Fillian both served in the armed forces. Annette served in 1945-46 as a Medic in the Army, and George served in 1951-52 in the Air Force Reserves. Andrew has run cross-country and track, and has been in band, jazz band and pep band. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society.

Claire Underwood, daughter of Gary Underwood and Sue Goodman, is a 2014 graduate of West Marshall High School. Her grandfather, Donald Goodman, served in the U.S. Army from 1956-58 as a clerk-typist. With this scholarship, Claire will be able to pursue her goals of going to college and becoming an accountant.

Applications for the 2015-16 scholarship will be available from the MCC Financial Aid office, 3700 S. Center St., Marshalltown, or the American Legion Post #46, PO Box 157, Marshalltown, IA 50158 after January 1 of 2015. Completed forms will due to the Legion Scholarship Committee by March 1.

Creating a memorial scholarship is one way to establish a legacy and financially assist MCC students and future students with their education. Anyone interested in learning more about starting a scholarship at MCC can contact Carol Geil, at 641-844-5747.