The OCTC Foundation Announces Six New Scholarships

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OWENSBORO, KY (09/12/2017) Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) unveiled new scholarships that have been started through the OCTC Foundation, Inc. These new scholarships include legacies started by friends and families as a way to memorialize a loved one. The OCTC Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in support of OCTC. The OCTC Scholarship Committee awarded 81 scholarships for the 2017-18 year, valued at $113, 850.

"It is exceptional that the OCTC Foundation is able to offer these six new scholarship funds. We are honored and humbled to be able to continue a legacy through a memorial scholarship. There truly is no greater gift than the gift of an education" added Scott Williams, OCTC President.

Chuck Strait Memorial Scholarship

This fund is established as a book scholarship for students enrolled in any certificate, diploma, or associate degree program offered at OCTC. The scholarship may be used to fund books, or other instructional materials required to successfully participate in and complete approved OCTC course of study.

David McCrady Fire Science Memorial Scholarship

David McCrady obtained an associate's degree in Fire Science from OCTC. David found his passion for service of firefighting and joined the Owensboro Fire Department, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief over his 21-year career. He served as an instructor for the State Fire and Rescue Training and taught in the Owensboro Community and Technical College Fire Service program for many years. After his cancer diagnosis, David taught firefighter cancer awareness classes across the state.

Dr. Scott Williams, President of OCTC commented, "We are proud to be able to continue his legacy with this scholarship. David had a passion for education and firefighting so this is something I know he would appreciate."

Family and friends created the scholarship fund in David's honor to support students enrolled in the second year of the Fire/Rescue Science Technology degree program. This scholarship may be used fund tuition, books, and/or other instructional materials required to successfully participate in and complete accepted coursework for the program.

Gene Haas Foundation Scholarships

This fund is for new students in the Computerized Machining and Manufacturing (CMM) program. This first-time donation was revealed by Phil Haming, the Haas Sales Engineer for Kentucky, at a presentation on Tuesday, June 27 in the CMM lab, located in the Advanced Technology Center on OCTC's main campus. The partnership with Haas and OCTC is longstanding as the CMM lab is equipped with HAAS equipment, the VF1 machine or the Very First One version of the machine that the manufacturer produced, sits among several other Haas built machines in the state of the art lab used by students.

"We are very grateful to the Haas Foundation for investing in our students and our community. This scholarship will help numerous new students enter into the CMM program and it matches up perfectly as they are training on Haas equipment that has a stellar reputation in the industry," said Mike Rodgers, Interim Executive Director of the OCTC Foundation, Inc.

The Gene Haas Foundation, formed in 1999 by Gene Haas, supports scholarships in manufacturing training and education with an emphasis on providing scholarship funds to community colleges and vocational schools for students entering technical training programs, especially machinist-based certificate and degree programs. Haas is the founder of Haas Automation, the largest and most modern machine tool builder in the western world.

Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association Scholarship

The Green River Area Extension Master Gardener Association (GRAEMGA) plans, organizes and implements various gardening projects around the community and at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension office. It provides a social network for the master gardeners to share experiences and ideas about gardening. The Green River Area Master Gardener Association created the scholarship to support students seeking a degree in Agricultural Studies. This scholarship may be used to fund tuition, books, and/or other instructional materials required to successfully participate in and complete accepted OCTC coursework.

"This is a great example of how our community groups pay it forward, hopefully once these students are successful in their field, it will also inspire them to help other student by supporting scholarship funds" added Mike Rodgers, Interim Executive Director of the OCTC Foundation, Inc.

Jollay Scholarship for SkillsU Students

The Jollay Scholarship is a new memorial fund in honor of James T. "Jim" Jollay housed in the OCTC Foundation, Inc. The Jim Jollay scholarship is named in honor of the late husband of Susan Jollay, a veteran OCTC employee, who is now a Program Manager with SkillTrain, OCTC's adult education department. The scholarship is for students working toward GED attainment in Ohio and McLean Counties and may be used for supplies and fees. This donation was revealed by Lindsey Kafer, Director of SkillTrain, at a presentation on Wednesday, September 6, at the SkillTrain Center located in Ohio County. Jim Jollay was a true gentleman, dearly loved by family and friends. He was an avid golfer, ardent Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan, and enthusiastic "road warrior" who traveled throughout the country. Jim fully supported Susan's passion for and dedication to SkillTrain's mission of helping others better their lives through education. He would be genuinely honored and deeply gratified that his support can be continued through this effort to assist students in attaining their educational goal. Kafer added, "This is a small way for us to honor both Jim Jollay and also Susan for inspirational commitment to and investment in the work of adult education. True to the Jollays' desire to help others succeed, this fund will allow us to support adult learners who are trying to improve their lives and the lives of their families."

"We are very grateful to Jim and Susan Jollay for their dedication to education and for investing in our students and our community. This scholarship will help numerous new students in Ohio and McLean Counties begin the SkillsU program and start them on a path to a better life. " said Mike Rodgers, Interim Executive Director of the OCTC Foundation, Inc.

OCTC's SkillTrain is the SkillsU Adult Education provider for Daviess, Ohio, Hancock and McLean counties in Kentucky. To learn more about the programs available please contact Lindsey Kafer via email at lindsey.kafer@kctcs.edu or by calling 270-686-3781.

Leonard Schroader Memorial Scholarship

Leonard Schroader was the ultimate servant leader, and the 2009 recipient of the OCTC New Horizons award, honoring exemplary service of employees. OCTC was his second career and his easy-going manner, tireless work ethic and "can do" attitude drew employees and students to him. His family honored his memory by establishing this scholarship in his name. The scholarship will fund textbooks required to successfully participate in and complete any approved OCTC course of study.

In addition to being Leonard's daughter Sonya Southard is the Manager of the OCTC Bookstore "Dad appreciated the value of all the programs at the college so we wanted to do something that would be applicable for all students. Books seemed like a perfect fit and it allows me to keep connected to scholarship as well."

"Leonard is a legend at OCTC and we are humbled that his family chose to memorialize him in this way. Even mentioning his name will still bring a smile to people's faces" added Scott Williams, OCTC President.

For more information, to contribute, or establish a legacy fund, please contact Mike Rodgers at 270.686.4503 or send a donation to the OCTC Foundation, Inc. at 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303.