Philanthropy is in our Nature

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

Gwen Groen, Ellsworth College Foundation Director

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My name is Gwen Groen and I became the Ellsworth College Foundation Director, September 2019.  For me, this is the ‘dream’ career.  I am married to Butch and we are blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  When I am not spending time with my family or on an occasional “girl’s day” with my besties, you would find me in the kitchen baking some of my husband’s favorites.  We have an adorable Labradoodle, “Clay Matthews” who rules our home and hearts.  If our dogs name didn’t give it away, we are avid Green Bay Packer fans. I am a member of the Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa and enjoy being part of the praise teams. ​

Kristie Nevenhoven, Foundation Office Associate and Manager, Pat Clark Art Collection

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Kristie has been employed at the Ellsworth College Foundation since 2015. She lives in Steamboat Rock with her husband, Corey, and two daughters, McKinley and Maci. Her husband, Corey, also works at Ellsworth Community College in Plant Services. In her free time she likes to read, go shopping, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and spend time with her family. She says her favorite part of her job is getting to know the donors and ECC students who come to events or just drop in at the office. She gets to do something different everyday and enjoys planning and organizing the events the foundation puts on throughout the year. ​

Foundation Board of Directors

The Foundation is governed by a 19-member board comprised of volunteers from the community. The board administers funds and oversees the Foundation office, Office of Development, and Alumni Affairs.  The Foundation Office plans special events for alumni and friends, conducts fundraising activities, and publishes a newsletter twice per year for the College’s alumni and friends.   
  • Roger Nissly, President, 1983, 
  • Dan Stockdale, Vice President, 2001
  • Jim Roelfs, Treasurer, 2019
  • John Campbell, 2004
  • Pete Gehrls, 2013
  • Barry Hofmeister, 2018
  • ​Larry Johnson, 1997
  • Duane Lloyd, 2004
  • Darwin Miller, ECC Trustee President, 2010
  • Phil Oppold, 2013
  • Joe Rabe, 2010
  • Joe Scallon, 2013 
  • Kim Sharar, 2018      
  • Jessica Weaver, 2018 
  • Bob Welch, 1987  
  • Dr. Kristie Fisher, 2019 
  • Dr. Martin Reimer, 2015