Hugo Gehrls was born July 8, 1933 at Lowden, Iowa, and was a 1950 graduate of Lowden High School. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1957 with a bachelor of science degree in architectural engineering. On August 27, 1955, Hugo and Janet Johnson of Des Moines were married in that city. Hugo was a co-owner of Smith-Gehrls, Inc., a general contracting firm, and owned Crane Services, Ltd. and Farmers Lumber Ltd., all of Iowa Falls. He belonged to the Iowa Falls Elks Club-B.P.O.E. #1674 where he served as club treasurer and was past Exalted Ruler. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa Falls, Master Builders of Iowa, National Society of Professional Engineers, the Iowa Association of Professional Engineers, Associated General Contractors, Iowa Falls Housing Development Corporation, and a charter member of the advisory board for the very successful carpentry program at Ellsworth Community College. He also participated in many community service activities. The Smith-Gehrls firm was awarded several major contracts at Ellsworth Community College including the Martin Ellsworth Dittmer Gymnasium, the indoor swimming pool and the Maintenance/Wellness facility. Following Hugo’s death on May 27, 1991, his wife, Janet, sons, John and Pete of Iowa Falls and daughters, Gretchen Peterson of Cedar Rapids and Amy of Iowa Falls, continued the family contracting business with their first major project being the construction of the Gentle Student Center at Ellsworth Community College. Additional family members include six grandchildren. Following his death, his many friends and family established this endowed scholarship at Ellsworth in his name.