A new scholarship will be available to Marshalltown Community College students as the result of an endowment gift in excess of $30,000 from the family and friends of MCC Alumnus Robert J. Aldrich. The $500 Robert J. Aldrich Memorial Scholarship will be for students in approved skilled trades programs, with preference given to non-traditional students.
Candidates for the scholarship will be nominated by faculty in the areas of Automotive Repair Technology, Electro-Mechanical Systems Technologist, Gunsmith Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Welding, and Utility Technician. To be eligible, the student must have completed at least one semester in his or her chosen trades program for the faculty to credibly assess the student’s aptitude, and must have at least a 2.67 GPA.
Robert Aldrich was born Jan. 4, 1947, and passed away Nov. 5, 2017. He attended school in Garwin, graduating in 1965. He played basketball, baseball and was active in 4H. Bob then attended Marshalltown Community College, where he played baseball and received an Associate of Technology degree in Auto Mechanics. He furthered that education at Bailey Tech in St. Louis, MO. In 1989 he returned to the MCC campus to acquire a B.A. in Business from Buena Vista University on the Marshalltown campus.
“Bob was a versatile person who tried many different things in his life,” says Carol Geil, MCC Foundation Executive Director. “From his start as an auto mechanic, he bravely made career changes to school transportation director, financial planner, and substitute teacher. His love of working with his hands and his respect for continuing your education and dreams at any stage of life inspire this scholarship for trades, and particularly non-traditional students.”
Geil adds, “Robert’s wife, Lona, and daughters, Nicole and Christine, are proud to announce this memorial scholarship and thank all the extended family and friends who contributed memorial gifts as part of establishing this legacy for Robert.”
Scholarships and Support for MCC Students
