Ellsworth College Foundation
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    • Apply Now For Scholarships
    • Academic Endowed Scholarships >
      • Elmer Ackerman
      • E. Lucille Dunn Endowed Scholarship
      • Andrew & Thelma Hamilton
      • Carl & Ruth Hamilton
      • Deone Pederson
      • Elmer & Gwen Stockdale
      • Foster & Madeline Mason
      • Kenneth & Mary Hecht
      • Helen McLeod Fisk
      • Henry Jabusch Endowed Scholarship
      • Howard Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Ira & Irene Nichols Endowed Scholarship
      • Reg Johnson Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert & Eleanor Welden Endowed Scholarship
      • Stan Straatsma Endowed Scholarship
      • Steve & Virginia Stockdale Endowed Scholarship
      • Willis & Connie Wubbena Endowed Scholarship
    • Athletic Endowed Scholarships >
      • Anonymous Endowed Scholarship
      • E Club Endowed Scholarship
      • Bud (Hector) Fischer Endowed Scholarship
      • Eugene Tystahl Endowed Scholarship
      • Glennon Warford Endowed Scholarship
      • John & Dalene Dolan Endowed Scholarship
      • Martin Ellsworth Dittmer Endowed Scholarship
      • Merle (Rocky) and Christie Weaver Endowed Scholarship
      • Richard & Ruth Larson Endowed Scholarship
      • Silver Bowl Endowed Scholarship
      • Roland & Oscarolia Newby Endowed Scholarship
      • Sam W. Newby Endowed Scholarship
    • Agricultural Endowed Scholarships >
      • Merrill & Linda Ahrens Endowed Scholarship
      • Cargill, Inc. Scholarship
      • Harry Paul Endowed Scholarship
      • Darwin and Deb Miller Endowed Scholarship
      • James Richtsmeier Endowed Scholarship
      • Esther Meyer Endowed Scholarship
      • John & Mary Lou Nissly Endowed Scholarship
      • Keith Olson Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert and Arlene Hamilton Endowed Scholarship
      • Todd Welden Memorial Scholarship
      • William and Dorothy Meyer Endowed Scholarship
      • Meyer Family Endowed Scholarship
    • Business Endowed Scholarships >
      • GNB Endowed Scholarship
      • Dorothy Chaplin Endowed Scholarship
      • Hugo Gehrls Endowed Scholarship
      • Richard Miller Endowed Scholarship
      • Whitesell Family Endowed Scholarship
      • William Welchko Endowed Scholarship
    • Education Endowed Scholarships >
      • Mary Fuller Doris Foster Education Scholarship
      • Eric & Janet Emery Endowed Scholarship
      • Raymond King Endowed Scholarship
      • Merrill & Linda Ahrens Endowed Scholarship
    • Equine Endowed Scholarships >
      • Equine Anonymous Endowed Scholarship
      • Glo Reber Endowed Scholarship
    • Named Endowments >
      • Fitz Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Barry Reece Endowed Scholarship
      • Buzzetti Family Endowed Scholarship
      • C. John & Ruth Campbell Endowed Scholarship
      • Campbell Supply Co Endowed Scholarship
      • Carol Hoffman Endowed Scholarship
      • Emerson & Velma Calkins Endowed Scholarship
      • Clifton & Leila Randall Endowed Scholarship
      • Don & Carol Fejfar Endowed Scholarship
      • Doug Fisk Endowed Scholarship
      • Dorothy & Susan Dougher Endowed Scholarship
      • Earl & Arlene Kessell Endowed Scholarship
      • Emma Armstrong Endowed Scholarship
      • Erv & Donna Miller Endowed Scholarship
      • Herb & Evelyn Lynk Endowed Scholarship
      • Glenn & Merna Robinson Endowed Scholarship
      • Green Belt Bank & Trust Endowed Scholarship
      • Gwen Gohring Gilbert Endowed Scholarship
      • Helen Glyer Endowed Scholarship
      • Howard Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Ida Caine Bryant Endowed Scholarship
      • Iowa Falls Order of Odd Fellows Endowed Scholarship
      • Iowa Falls Rotary Endowed Scholarship
      • Jack Richards Endowed Scholarship
      • Jane Anderson Endowed Scholarship
      • Jaycees Junior Chamber Endowed Scholarship
      • Jean Dow Foster Endowed Scholarship
      • Greg Hodak Endowed Scholarship
      • Scenic City Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship
      • Leon E. Ohrlund Endowed Scholarship
      • Loudine Hill Endowed Scholarship
      • Mike & April Nissly Endowed Scholarship
      • Riverside Book & Bible Endowed Scholarship
      • PTK, Liz Mathews Leaders of Promise Endowed Scholarship
      • Raymond Burr Endowed Scholarship
      • Rizvi Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert D. Lund Endowed Scholarship
      • Roberta Crawford Endowed Scholarship
      • Richard & Helen Roberts Endowed Scholarship
      • William F. Strube Endowed Scholarship
      • Jerry Surls Endowed Scholarship
      • Lela Tracy Endowed Scholarship
      • Jerry & Sue Welden Endowed Scholarship
      • Todd Welden Scholarship
      • Max & Nellie White Endowed Scholarship
    • Nursing Endowed Scholarships >
      • Dr. Robert & Barbara Dunlay Endowed Scholarship
      • Esther Meyer Endowed Scholarship
      • Grace Hoy Endowed Scholarship
      • Joseph & Gladys Huibsch Endowed Scholarship
      • Meade & Phyllis Bartlett Endowed Scholarship
      • Meyer Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Evelyn Oppold-Lawless Endowed Scholarship
      • DuWayne & Nancy Wessels Family Endowed Scholarship
    • Unrestricted Endowed Scholarships >
      • Steve & Judy Afdahl Endowed Scholarship
      • Mary Bryarly Endowed Scholarship
      • Magnus Christensen Endowed Scholarship
      • Andrew Thompson Endowed Scholarship
      • Bill & Jean Granzow Endowed Scholarship
      • Bruce Rastetter Endowed Scholarship
      • C. H. Koon Endowed Scholarship
      • Consolidated Management, Co. Endowed Scholarship
      • David Jiruska Endowed Scholarship
      • Bill & Judy Harris Endowed Scholarship
      • Don & Bonnie Henrich Endowed Scholarship
      • Duane & Phyllis Lloyd Endowed Scholarship
      • Edna Boddy Endowed Scholarship
      • Gordon & Gretchen Rabe Endowed Scholarship
      • Ida Tordoff Endowed Scholarship
      • Janet Maddox Endowed Scholarship
      • Jennings Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Jerry Senters Endowed Scholarship
      • Jesse Jorgenson Endowed Scholarship
      • John & Marilyn Hofmann McNemar Endowed Scholarship
      • Keller Sisters Endowed Scholarship
      • Kruse Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Marvin Reed Endowed Scholarship
      • Max Johnson Endowed Scholarship
      • Otis Thompson Endowed Scholarship
      • Professor Sheridan Jones Endowed Scholarship
      • Ray & Ethel Show Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert & Joyce Schager Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert & Lillian McCord Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert Ellingson Endowed Scholarship
      • Ruth Klotz Endowed Scholarship
      • Verle & Marie Stucker Endowed Scholarship
      • Mary Weeks Endowed Scholarship
      • Morris & Jane Whitehead Endowed Scholarship
      • 125th General Endowment
      • Jerry Benning Endowed Scholarship
      • Craig & Kristi Harris Endowed Scholarship
      • Mark & Laura Hamilton Endowed Scholarship
      • Gary & Karla Hoffman Endowed Scholarship
      • Dr. Paul & Rita Hoversten Endowed Scholarship
      • Anonymous Endowed Scholarship
  • Entities
    • Friends of Calkins Nature Center
    • Friends of the Pat Clark Art Collection
    • E-Club
  • Calendar of Events
  • Foundation News
  • About
    • History of Ellsworth Community College
    • History of Ellsworth College Foundation
    • Joe Gomer
  • Contact
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  • Foundation Newsletter

History of the Foundation

History of the Ellsworth Community College Foundation

The corporate existence of Ellsworth College Foundation began in August 27, 1958 as a 501(c) 3 corporation. Its primary effort consists of raising funds used for scholarships, equipment purchase, and building and ground improvement. 

The Foundation was initially created to raise funds for construction of a new administrative building (Kruse Main) to replace Old Main, which was destroyed by fire in 1949. It has also conducted successful fund drives to construct other campus buildings, including: 

  • Raising $450,000 for an Indoor Swimming Pool.  
  • 1988, it initiated the successful $1.715 million Second Century Challenge Capital Campaign which raised money to help construct Reg Johnson Hall, the Gentle Student Center, restore Bullock-Jones Hall, remodel Kruse Main, and construct an outdoor recreation area directly west of Martin Ellsworth Dittmer Gymnasium. Money from the campaign was also used to remodel McClure Hall.  
  • A fund drive was also completed which paid for building the Calkins Nature Area Interpretive Center.  
  • 2006-2012 a Capital Campaign was conducted to raise $6 million dollars to build the Robert & Arlene Hamilton Campus (Agriculture & Renewable Energy Center and, Equine Facility) and the Dale Howard Family Activity Center.  
  • 2011 Completed the Don Henrich Athletic Building. 
  • 2014-2017 Conducted the 125th Continuing the Vision Anniversary Campaign which raised over $1.25 million dollars which went towards scholarships. It helped to increase the number of endowed scholarships to over 125 and raise $1.25 million in scholarship dollars.  
 The Foundation also acts as the agent for gifts to campus organizations, athletic teams, and funds such as the E-Club, Friends of the Calkins Nature Center, and the Friends of the Pat Clark Art Collection.  

The 18-member board of directors meets monthly and governs the Foundation and oversees the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, as well as investments to perpetuate the Foundation’s growing endowed scholarship program. The office was created in 1984 with a part-time volunteer director charged with raising money for academic scholarships. The Foundation hired it first full-time director in 1986 who concentrated on deferred gifts through wills and estates.

During the same period, planning for the college’s centennial celebration and exploration of a major fund drive was undertaken. In 1988, the office’s second full-time director was given the responsibility of coordinating the Second Century Challenge Campaign and conducting an annual year-end mailing and Spring Un-phonathon to raise funds for the college. A part-time director was held in 1996. A $100,000 fund drive to complete the Calkins Nature Area Interpretive Center was successfully completed.


As of 2020, the Foundation office holds two full-time positions, Director and Office Associate.  The Foundation also maintains an endowed scholarship program for students at Ellsworth Community College. Currently there are over 130 endowed scholarships varying in amounts from $250 to $5000.These scholarships provide approximately 300 awards each year. 
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  • Home
  • How to Give
    • Make a Difference Today
    • Make a Difference in the Future
    • Employee Giving
  • Ellsworth Alumni
    • Alumni Wall of Fame
    • New Alumni Contact Form
  • Endowed Scholarships
    • Apply Now For Scholarships
    • Academic Endowed Scholarships >
      • Elmer Ackerman
      • E. Lucille Dunn Endowed Scholarship
      • Andrew & Thelma Hamilton
      • Carl & Ruth Hamilton
      • Deone Pederson
      • Elmer & Gwen Stockdale
      • Foster & Madeline Mason
      • Kenneth & Mary Hecht
      • Helen McLeod Fisk
      • Henry Jabusch Endowed Scholarship
      • Howard Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Ira & Irene Nichols Endowed Scholarship
      • Reg Johnson Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert & Eleanor Welden Endowed Scholarship
      • Stan Straatsma Endowed Scholarship
      • Steve & Virginia Stockdale Endowed Scholarship
      • Willis & Connie Wubbena Endowed Scholarship
    • Athletic Endowed Scholarships >
      • Anonymous Endowed Scholarship
      • E Club Endowed Scholarship
      • Bud (Hector) Fischer Endowed Scholarship
      • Eugene Tystahl Endowed Scholarship
      • Glennon Warford Endowed Scholarship
      • John & Dalene Dolan Endowed Scholarship
      • Martin Ellsworth Dittmer Endowed Scholarship
      • Merle (Rocky) and Christie Weaver Endowed Scholarship
      • Richard & Ruth Larson Endowed Scholarship
      • Silver Bowl Endowed Scholarship
      • Roland & Oscarolia Newby Endowed Scholarship
      • Sam W. Newby Endowed Scholarship
    • Agricultural Endowed Scholarships >
      • Merrill & Linda Ahrens Endowed Scholarship
      • Cargill, Inc. Scholarship
      • Harry Paul Endowed Scholarship
      • Darwin and Deb Miller Endowed Scholarship
      • James Richtsmeier Endowed Scholarship
      • Esther Meyer Endowed Scholarship
      • John & Mary Lou Nissly Endowed Scholarship
      • Keith Olson Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert and Arlene Hamilton Endowed Scholarship
      • Todd Welden Memorial Scholarship
      • William and Dorothy Meyer Endowed Scholarship
      • Meyer Family Endowed Scholarship
    • Business Endowed Scholarships >
      • GNB Endowed Scholarship
      • Dorothy Chaplin Endowed Scholarship
      • Hugo Gehrls Endowed Scholarship
      • Richard Miller Endowed Scholarship
      • Whitesell Family Endowed Scholarship
      • William Welchko Endowed Scholarship
    • Education Endowed Scholarships >
      • Mary Fuller Doris Foster Education Scholarship
      • Eric & Janet Emery Endowed Scholarship
      • Raymond King Endowed Scholarship
      • Merrill & Linda Ahrens Endowed Scholarship
    • Equine Endowed Scholarships >
      • Equine Anonymous Endowed Scholarship
      • Glo Reber Endowed Scholarship
    • Named Endowments >
      • Fitz Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Barry Reece Endowed Scholarship
      • Buzzetti Family Endowed Scholarship
      • C. John & Ruth Campbell Endowed Scholarship
      • Campbell Supply Co Endowed Scholarship
      • Carol Hoffman Endowed Scholarship
      • Emerson & Velma Calkins Endowed Scholarship
      • Clifton & Leila Randall Endowed Scholarship
      • Don & Carol Fejfar Endowed Scholarship
      • Doug Fisk Endowed Scholarship
      • Dorothy & Susan Dougher Endowed Scholarship
      • Earl & Arlene Kessell Endowed Scholarship
      • Emma Armstrong Endowed Scholarship
      • Erv & Donna Miller Endowed Scholarship
      • Herb & Evelyn Lynk Endowed Scholarship
      • Glenn & Merna Robinson Endowed Scholarship
      • Green Belt Bank & Trust Endowed Scholarship
      • Gwen Gohring Gilbert Endowed Scholarship
      • Helen Glyer Endowed Scholarship
      • Howard Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Ida Caine Bryant Endowed Scholarship
      • Iowa Falls Order of Odd Fellows Endowed Scholarship
      • Iowa Falls Rotary Endowed Scholarship
      • Jack Richards Endowed Scholarship
      • Jane Anderson Endowed Scholarship
      • Jaycees Junior Chamber Endowed Scholarship
      • Jean Dow Foster Endowed Scholarship
      • Greg Hodak Endowed Scholarship
      • Scenic City Kiwanis Endowed Scholarship
      • Leon E. Ohrlund Endowed Scholarship
      • Loudine Hill Endowed Scholarship
      • Mike & April Nissly Endowed Scholarship
      • Riverside Book & Bible Endowed Scholarship
      • PTK, Liz Mathews Leaders of Promise Endowed Scholarship
      • Raymond Burr Endowed Scholarship
      • Rizvi Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert D. Lund Endowed Scholarship
      • Roberta Crawford Endowed Scholarship
      • Richard & Helen Roberts Endowed Scholarship
      • William F. Strube Endowed Scholarship
      • Jerry Surls Endowed Scholarship
      • Lela Tracy Endowed Scholarship
      • Jerry & Sue Welden Endowed Scholarship
      • Todd Welden Scholarship
      • Max & Nellie White Endowed Scholarship
    • Nursing Endowed Scholarships >
      • Dr. Robert & Barbara Dunlay Endowed Scholarship
      • Esther Meyer Endowed Scholarship
      • Grace Hoy Endowed Scholarship
      • Joseph & Gladys Huibsch Endowed Scholarship
      • Meade & Phyllis Bartlett Endowed Scholarship
      • Meyer Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Evelyn Oppold-Lawless Endowed Scholarship
      • DuWayne & Nancy Wessels Family Endowed Scholarship
    • Unrestricted Endowed Scholarships >
      • Steve & Judy Afdahl Endowed Scholarship
      • Mary Bryarly Endowed Scholarship
      • Magnus Christensen Endowed Scholarship
      • Andrew Thompson Endowed Scholarship
      • Bill & Jean Granzow Endowed Scholarship
      • Bruce Rastetter Endowed Scholarship
      • C. H. Koon Endowed Scholarship
      • Consolidated Management, Co. Endowed Scholarship
      • David Jiruska Endowed Scholarship
      • Bill & Judy Harris Endowed Scholarship
      • Don & Bonnie Henrich Endowed Scholarship
      • Duane & Phyllis Lloyd Endowed Scholarship
      • Edna Boddy Endowed Scholarship
      • Gordon & Gretchen Rabe Endowed Scholarship
      • Ida Tordoff Endowed Scholarship
      • Janet Maddox Endowed Scholarship
      • Jennings Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Jerry Senters Endowed Scholarship
      • Jesse Jorgenson Endowed Scholarship
      • John & Marilyn Hofmann McNemar Endowed Scholarship
      • Keller Sisters Endowed Scholarship
      • Kruse Family Endowed Scholarship
      • Marvin Reed Endowed Scholarship
      • Max Johnson Endowed Scholarship
      • Otis Thompson Endowed Scholarship
      • Professor Sheridan Jones Endowed Scholarship
      • Ray & Ethel Show Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert & Joyce Schager Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert & Lillian McCord Endowed Scholarship
      • Robert Ellingson Endowed Scholarship
      • Ruth Klotz Endowed Scholarship
      • Verle & Marie Stucker Endowed Scholarship
      • Mary Weeks Endowed Scholarship
      • Morris & Jane Whitehead Endowed Scholarship
      • 125th General Endowment
      • Jerry Benning Endowed Scholarship
      • Craig & Kristi Harris Endowed Scholarship
      • Mark & Laura Hamilton Endowed Scholarship
      • Gary & Karla Hoffman Endowed Scholarship
      • Dr. Paul & Rita Hoversten Endowed Scholarship
      • Anonymous Endowed Scholarship
  • Entities
    • Friends of Calkins Nature Center
    • Friends of the Pat Clark Art Collection
    • E-Club
  • Calendar of Events
  • Foundation News
  • About
    • History of Ellsworth Community College
    • History of Ellsworth College Foundation
    • Joe Gomer
  • Contact
  • Ellsworth Museum
  • Foundation Newsletter