David Jiruska was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on December 19, 1951. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1970 and received his Associate in Arts degree from Ellsworth Community College in 1972. He then attended Colorado State University and Coe College in Cedar Rapids where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1975. David has two daughters; Jennifer, who graduated from the University of Iowa, Jourdan, who graduated from Colorado State University; and one son, Shane, who graduated from St. Ambrose University. David formerly owned and managed a major H & R Block franchise with 32 offices. He was chairman of the H & R Block Franchise Association Annual Meeting in Luzerne, Switzerland in 1990. In addition to his professional responsibilities, David has served the Presbytery Church of Eastern Iowa as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and Elder Commissioner. He is also a Mason and member of the El Kahir Shrine. Having a strong belief in education, David continues to participate in classes and forums at Coe College and Kirkwood Community College and as a member of his church’s Christian Education Committee. David is an avid traveler and participates annually in the MotorIoway tours and traveled over 7,000 miles in 2002 on his motorcycle. Exemplifying his belief in education and his loyalty to Ellsworth Community College, he has contributed faithfully to Ellsworth for many years. In 2002, he completed the endowment of this scholarship, which will assist deserving students as they pursue higher education at Ellsworth Community College.