Scholars + Donors Celebration 2023

BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOUNDATION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

An event recognizing our scholarship recipients and the generosity of our donors who have opened doors and made college possible for our students.

Blackhawk Foundation Officers Dave Holterman, President First Community Bank Sue Ripsch, Secretary Mercyhealth (Retired)

Phil Whitehead, Treasurer Blackhawk Bank

Blackhawk Foundation Board of Directors Gretchen Burgess Murphy Desmond, S.C.

Renae Henry Century 21 Affiliated

Sharon Cox Beloit Health System

Jill Leitzen KUHN North America, Inc.

George Cullen JP Cullen

Frank McKearn R.H. Batterman

Dr. Gregg Dickinson Janesville Pediatric Dental (Retired)

Kara Sankey Mercyhealth

Jeff Garde Combs & Associates

Angela Slagle Frito-Lay/PepsiCo

Blackhawk Technical College District Board Barbara Barrington-Tillman, Chairperson Chief Deputy, Rock County Sheriff's Office (Retired) Eric A. Thornton, Vice-Chairperson SSM Health

Rich Deprez, Secretary TDS Telecom

Rachel Andres Prent Corporation

Mark Holzman Janesville School District

Robert Hendrickson PepsiCo/Frito-Lay

Kathy Sukus Rock County Communications (Retired)

Suzann Holland Monroe Public Library

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Alliant Energy Manufacturing Scholarship

In 2015, Alliant Energy established this scholarship in support of students enrolled in one of Blackhawk's Manufacturing Programs.

Monique Addison, Computer Numeric Control Technician Dylan Hallman, Computer Numeric Control Technician Clarissa Grezka, Electro-Mechanical Technology Asher Schumacher, Electro-Mechanical Technology

Fall & Spring Fall Spring Spring

Alliant Energy Electric Power Distribution Scholarship

Started in 2019, Alliant Energy established this scholarship to provide financial support to Blackhawk students in the Electric Power Distribution (EPD) Program.

John Cust, Electric Power Distribution Caleb Goff, Electric Power Distribution Avery Lettman, Electric Power Distribution Marcus Pletcher, Electric Power Distribution Carter Ritter, Electric Power Distribution Isaiah Westrick, Electric Power Distribution

Spring Spring Spring Fall Fall Fall

Alpha Delta Kappa Scholarship

The Alpha Delta Kappa Omicron Chapter of Monroe, Wisconsin, established this scholarship to support Blackhawk students pursuing any degree program. The Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization for female educators.

Kaitlyn Elgin, Business Management

Fall

Anna Schenker Memorial Scholarship

Established by David and Carole Schenker in 2023, this endowed scholarship is in loving memory of their daughter, Anna, who was known as "Anna Banana," to support students pursuing any program of study at Blackhawk.

Jaquelyn Cruz, Radiography

Fall

AVI Next Gen Scholarship Fund

Started in 2021 by AVI Systems, the AVI Next Gen Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in Information Technology or STEM-Related Program.

Rene Sandoval, Web Software Developer Desirae Stiefel, Web Software Developer

Fall Spring

BACTE Endowed Scholarship

An endowed scholarship established in 2019 from the Blackhawk Association for Career and Technical Education (BACTE) to provide financial support to Blackhawk students in any program.

Kierra Boyd, Business Management

Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Barbara Kronquist Memorial Scholarship

The Barbara Kronquist Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 in Barbara's memory (a registered RN) by her husband, Dr. Gordon Kronquist, along with many family and friends. This scholarship is for students enrolled in any Health Science Program.

Lauren Comella, Nursing Emily Fish, Nursing Kent Espinoza, Physical Therapist Assistant

Spring & Fall Spring & Fall Fall

Ben Dickinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Gregg & Helen Dickinson established the Ben Dickinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship in 2020, in honor of their son, Ben, for students enrolled in Blackhawk's Manufacturing, Law, Public Safety, or any other program at the College.

Nichole Berger, Nursing Grace Brown, Dental Hygienist Beau Buckner, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Mackenzie Byrne, Dental Hygienist Patrick Cotton, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Heather Goold, Automation Systems Technology Kennedy Gordon, Dental Assistant Jon Powers, Nursing Cory Sowell, Substance Use Disorder Counseling Nicole Webnar, Nursing

Fall Fall Fall Spring Fall Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring

Bill Flatt Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2012 by the Flatt Family in honor of Bill W. Flatt, a beloved chef in Rock County, this endowed scholarship is awarded to a Blackhawk student each Fall semester who is enrolled in their second year of the Culinary Arts Program.

Nicholas Risseeuw, Culinary Arts

Fall

Blackhawk Golden K Kiwanis of Janesville Scholarship The Blackhawk Golden K Kiwanis of Janesville established this scholarship to support students pursuing any program of study at Blackhawk.

Alexia Cuazozon, Business Management Brittney Theus-Velasco, Nursing

Fall Spring

Blackhawk Tech Faculty Federation Endowed Scholarship Established in 2015 by the Blackhawk Technical Faculty Federation (BTFF), this endowed scholarship is awarded to Blackhawk students in any program.

Heather Armstrong, Human Services Destiny Hambrock, Nursing Gabrielle Hoffmann, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology

Spring Spring Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Blackhawk Tech Faculty Federation Endowed Scholarship, cont'd Brittney Hollman, Human Services Leah Keirn, Physical Therapist Assistant Samantha Lewey, Accounting Taylor McClinton, Nursing Dawn Nicols, Substance Use Disorder Counseling Joie Steinmann, Agribusiness/Science Technology

Spring Spring Fall & Spring Spring Spring Spring

Blackhawk Foundation Scholarship

The Blackhawk Technical College Foundation awards scholarships each fall and spring semester to students pursuing any degree-seeking program at Blackhawk.

Abigail Bauer, Dental Hygienist Katelyn Bluel, Nursing Millicent Bryant, Radiography Taylor Carnes, Radiography Aria Clark, Culinary Arts Kimberly Colson, Automotive Technician Alexia Cuazozon, Business Management Alexis Graber, Dental Hygienist Erica King, Nursing Leslie Lavariega, Nursing Nicole Lehr, Nursing Linda Nunley, Nursing Jon Powers, Nursing Kearie Pulliam, Digital Marketing Nicholas Risseeuw, Culinary Arts Cassandra York, Surgical Technology Alicia Zapata, Radiography

Fall Spring Spring Spring Fall Spring Spring Fall Spring Spring Spring Spring Spring Fall Spring Spring Fall

Blackhawk Technical College High School Scholarships

Established in 2020 to support graduating high school seniors in Rock and Green Counties pursuing Blackhawk Technical College as their post-secondary higher education institute, the Blackhawk Foundation provides a scholarship award to those students in any program of study.

Ivette Abarca, Dental Hygienist Brynlee Aegerter, Dental Hygienist Andrea Aleman, Criminal Justice Studies Jennifer Banner, Human Services Sydney Barnes, Associate of Science Diana Lara Barrera, Nursing Elly Beckman, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology Hailey Beeman, Nursing

Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Blackhawk Technical College High School Scholarships, cont'd McKenzie Briggs, Criminal Justice Studies Diana Brockwell, Criminal Justice Studies Tess Bushaw, Information Technology – Network Specialist Abraham Clark, Agribusiness/Science Technology Kylie Cribbs, Dental Assistant Lizbeth Cuatzo, Nursing Kent Espinoza, Physical Therapist Assistant Macey Grant, Dental Hygienist Karen Guizar, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology Fernando Lopez, Fire Protection Technician Braydon Manke, Information Technology – Network Specialist Lillyanna Schmid, Culinary Arts Curtis Streuly, Electric Power Distribution Loghan Quinn, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology Jax Wells, Criminal Justice Studies

Fall Spring Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall

Blain Gilbertson Family Scholarship

The Blain Gilbertson Family Scholarship was established in 2022 by Mick and Jane Blain Gilbertson along with their daughters Nicole and Sarah to provide full-ride scholarships to Blackhawk students pursuing a degree in the Agricultural, Business, or Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Programs.

James Osinga, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Passion Tann, Business Management

Fall & Spring Fall

BlueScope Foundation Scholarship

Started in 2014 by the BlueScope Foundation, this scholarship supports students pursuing either Welding, Electro-Mechanical Technology, or Automated Systems Technology Programs at Blackhawk.

Heather Goold, Automation Systems Technology Andrew Perez, Welding

Spring Fall

Charter Next Generation (CNG) Scholarship

Started by Charter Next Generation (CNG) in 2022, this scholarship is for students enrolled in any Manufacturing Program at Blackhawk Technical College.

Jacob Augenstein, Manufacturing Engineering Technology Clarissa Grezka, Electro-Mechanical Technology Simon Lange, Welding Andrew Perez, Welding

Spring Spring Fall Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Chris and Dawn Olson Scholarship

The Olson Family established the Chris and Dawn Olson Scholarship in 2014 for students in the Fire Protection Technician, Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiography, or Physical Therapy Assistant Programs. The late Chris Olson, a Blackhawk alumnus, also served on the Blackhawk Technical College District Board from 2002 to 2011. Dawn Olson is also a Blackhawk alumna.

Millicent Bryant, Radiography Kendra Debord, Nursing Natalia Gonzalo, Nursing Harjoy Kaur, Physical Therapist Assistant

Spring Spring Fall Fall

Christine Scaccia-Lubeck Memorial Endowed Scholarship

In honor and memory of Christine Scaccia-Lubeck, a Blackhawk alumna from the Information Technology Program, Steve Scaccia, her father, created this endowed scholarship in 2018 to award to Blackhawk students enrolled in the Information Technology Program.

Jordan Gould, Information Technology – Network Specialist Caleb Rossetti, Web Software Developer Desirae Stiefel, Web Software Developer Jose Villegas, Information Technology – Network Specialist

Spring Fall Spring Fall

Compeer Financial Scholarship

Started in 2022, the Compeer Financial Scholarship is awarded to Blackhawk students enrolled in an Agriculture Program who reside in Compeer's 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Nicholas Roe, Agribusiness/Science Technology Erik Schultz, Agribusiness/Science Technology

Fall Fall

Corby Bell Scholarship

Established in 2019 by Corby Bell, a Blackhawk Culinary Arts alumnus, this scholarship is awarded to Blackhawk students enrolled in the Culinary Program.

Nicholas Risseeuw, Culinary Arts

Fall

Culinary Arts Scholarship for High School Seniors

Started in 2020, the Culinary Arts Scholarships for High School Seniors supports high school seniors pursuing Blackhawk Technical College's Culinary Arts Program.

Aria Clark, Culinary Arts Logan Cordero, Culinary Arts Marcus Evans, Culinary Arts Jimmie Hines, Culinary Arts Leonardo Sanchez-Marquez, Culinary Arts Lillyanna Schmid, Culinary Arts

Fall Spring Spring Fall Fall Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Culinary Arts Scholarship for High School Seniors, cont'd Emily Roessler, Culinary Arts Trace Tina, Culinary Arts Gwendolyn VanDomelen, Culinary Arts

Spring Fall Spring

Daniel J. Hartstern Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2009 by Dan's wife, Joan, and their four children, this endowed scholarship was created in memory of Blackhawk Technical College's former Vice President of Finance, Daniel Hartstern. The scholarship is awarded to students in Accounting or Business Management Programs.

Richard Bracher, Business Management Robert Miller, Accounting Elizabeth Shurmack, Accounting Bonita Vazquez, Accounting

Fall Spring Spring Fall

David Phillips Endowed Scholarship

Robert and Mary Ann Phillips established the David Phillips Endowed Scholarship in 2022 in memory of their brother, David, to support Blackhawk students in the Electric Power Distribution (EPD) or Manufacturing Programs. David always shared with others that his education at Blackhawk was the foundation that he needed to begin his career.

Amber Basiks, Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Fall

Delta Dental of Wisconsin Scholarship

The Delta Dental of Wisconsin Scholarship was established in 2015 to support Blackhawk students enrolled in the Dental Assisting or Dental Hygienist Programs.

Sara Gibson, Dental Hygienist Ia Lao, Dental Assistant Brittany Oren, Dental Hygienist

Fall Spring Spring

Diversity Scholarship

The Diversity Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in any program at Blackhawk. The goal of this scholarship is to foster an environment that appreciates and values an increasingly diverse student body.

Charnetha Bell-Johnson, Nursing Wendpagnagde Gamene, Business Management Lisset Jimenez, Dental Hygienist Gritly McNett Seriphin, Accounting

Fall Spring Fall Spring

Dody Murray Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1990 by the friends and family of the late Dody Murray, this endowed scholarship supports Blackhawk students in their second year of the Nursing Program.

Dody was a registered nurse and was a native of Wisconsin.

April Washecheck, Nursing

Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Donna McKearn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Donna McKearn Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2021 by the McKearn family and friends in memory Donna, their beloved mother, friend, and nurturer of all children for Blackhawk students in the Education or Business Programs.

Angela Cash, Foundations of Teacher Education Kira Huddle, Early Childhood Education

Fall Spring

Draeger Family Scholarship

The Draeger Family Scholarship was established in 2021, in memory of their father, John Draeger, to support Blackhawk students in Manufacturing Programs.

John worked as a mechanical engineer for many years at Gilman Engineering & Manufacturing in Janesville and later became the President. He was always interested in encouraging young, aspiring engineers and contributing to the advancement of young people in the manufacturing field.

Ismael Cruz, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Marelvi Gaxhaj, Manufacturing Engineering Technology Allen Kneisel, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Devan Wallace, Electro-Mechanical Technology

Fall Spring Spring Fall

Edward Jennrich Scholarship

Established in 2022 by Philip and Karen Knudsen, the Edward Jennrich Scholarship was established in honor and memory of Karen's late brother, Edward Jennrich. This full-ride scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a Manufacturing Program.

Clarissa Grezka, Electro-Mechanical Technology Chinwindo Strong, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology

Fall Fall

Elizabeth Woodruff Scholarship

The Elizabeth Woodruff Charitable Trust established the Elizabeth Woodruff Scholarship in 2020 to award scholarship support to students that are enrolled in any program at Blackhawk.

Makayla Bergersen, Nursing Hannah Hughes, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology

Fall Fall

Executive Chef Graham Erik Smith Memorial Culinary Endowed Scholarship Established in 2019 by Jackie Wood and Kelly Smith Moore, the Executive Chef Graham Erik Smith Memorial Culinary Endowed Scholarship is for a second-year student enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program. Executive Chef Graham Erik Smith was a renowned executive chef in Southern Wisconsin; and he loved being involved in chef competitions and mentoring culinary students.

Marcus Evans, Culinary Arts Nicholas Risseeuw, Culinary Arts

Fall Spring

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association Scholarship

Started by the Foreign Type Cheesemaker's Association in 2018, this scholarship supports students enrolled in the Laboratory Food Sciences Program. Their mission is to assist cheese producers in making quality, safe, and wholesome products. They have recently rebranded themselves and operate now as Precision Biolabs.

Stacy Jackson, Laboratory Food Science Technician Jonah Levia, Laboratory Food Science Technician Bjorn Unseth, Laboratory Food Science Technician

Fall Spring Spring & Fall

Francis and Barbara Stauner Memorial Scholarship

The Francis and Barbara Stauner Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 to support Blackhawk students in any program.

Kylie Elsner, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology

Fall

Fred & Vera Jess Memorial Scholarship

The Jess Family established the Fred & Vera Jess Memorial Scholarship in 2015 in honor and remembrance of Fred & Vera Jess, residents of Rockford, Illinois, to support Blackhawk students in any program.

Betty Douglas, Foundations of Teacher Education

Fall

Freedom Plastics Scholarship

The Freedom Plastics Scholarship is provided through the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin to provide scholarship awards to students in any program.

Rebecca Barnett, Substance Use Disorder Counseling Justin Brown, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Millicent Bryant, Radiography Kristin Meyer, Early Childhood Education Elizabeth Nguyen, Radiography Evelyn Portales, Business Management Kailan Schepper, Digital Marketing Jennifer Schultz, Medical Adminstrative Coder

Fall Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Spring

Fund for the Future of Agriculture Scholarship

Established in 2019 by Fran and Sandy Donny and Jim and Therese Gratz, the Fund for the Future of Agriculture provides scholarship awards to students enrolled in Agriculture Programs at Blackhawk.

Issa Conombo, Agribusiness/Science Technology Trinity Dyreson, Agribusiness/Science Technology Leslie Reinke, Agribusiness/Science Technology Erik Schultz, Agribusiness Specialist

Spring Fall Fall Spring

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Fund for the Future of Manufacturing Scholarship

Established in 2021 and supported by several key community leaders and businesses, the Fund for the Future of Manufacturing provides scholarship awards to students enrolled in any Manufacturing Programs at Blackhawk.

Ismael Cruz, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Alfredo Hernandez, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Avery Lettman, Electric Power Distribution Ryan Welte, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Isaiah Westrick, Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Fall Spring Spring Fall Fall

Gary Mawhinney Scholarship

Established in 2022 by Gary Mawhinney, a retiree of General Motors, this scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a Manufacturing Program. Gary is passionate about manufacturing careers and opportunities provided to Blackhawk students as he understands the importance of those careers and the need for a trained workforce for the future success and growth of the manufacturing sector.

Amber Basiks, Manufacturing Engineering Technology Zachary Mangan, Welding Connor Opdahl, Electric Power Distribution Brieana Schroeder, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician Tyler Zwieg, Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology

Fall Fall Spring Fall Spring

Goodwill of Northern Illinois Scholarship

In 2012, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois established this scholarship to support Blackhawk students with disabilities or special needs pursuing any program of study.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a community-based non-profit organization that creates opportunities for individuals with barriers to enhance their lives.

Heather Armstrong, Human Services Ezra Johnson, Associate of Arts

Fall Spring

GROWMARK Scholarship

Started in 2016, the GROWMARK Scholarship is for students enrolled in an Agriculture Program at Blackhawk.

Leslie Reinke, Agribusiness/Science Technology

Fall

Hank Dikkeboom Memorial Tools Scholarship

In 2017, Mary Dikkeboom established the Hank Dikkeboom Memorial Tools Scholarship in memory of her husband, Hank, to support Blackhawk students with purchasing the necessary tools, materials, and supplies needed for their particular program. Hank, a former Blackhawk instructor for 29 years, developed the Automotive Repair curriculum for the college. He valued education and had a lifelong commitment to the skilled trades.

Abigail Bauer, Dental Hygienist Brittany Buck, Nursing

Fall Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Hank Dikkeboom Memorial Tools Scholarship, cont'd

Gabrielle Hoffmann, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology Mariana Tinajero- Espinoza, Nursing

Spring Spring

Harold Robb Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established in 2022 by Dr. Gregg and Helen Dickinson, in memory of Harold Robb, an electrical engineer who served on many community organizations, one of which was the Rock River Charter School Board of Directors, this endowed scholarship is awarded to Rock River Charter School graduates who enroll at Blackhawk in any program of study at the college.

Charisse Johnson, Nursing Lukas Streuly, Nursing

Fall Fall

Harry Sieren Memorial Scholarship

In 2021, the Harry Sieren Family established this memorial scholarship in memory of Harry, a small engine repair owner, to support Blackhawk students in the Automotive Technician or Diesel & Heavy Equipment Programs.

Jorden Showers, Automotive Technician

Spring & Fall

Harry Spohnholtz Memorial Scholarship

The Harry Spohnholtz Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Harry Spohnholtz, a former Wisconsin Power & Light electrician who retired in 1979, to provide scholarship support to Blackhawk students in any program.

Gracie Hill, Nursing

Fall

Hufcor Scholarship

Established in 2019, the Hufcor Scholarship is provided through the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin to provide scholarship awards to non-traditional students enrolled in any program at Blackhawk.

Destiny Genore, Nursing Hannah Hughes, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology Kimberly Mcmillan-Goodwin, Business Management Hannah Mellem, Human Services Whitney Mettler, Substance Use Disorder Counseling Mariana Tinajero- Espinoza, Nursing

Fall Fall Spring Spring Spring Spring

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients IDEAL Opportunity Scholarship

Created in 2020, the IDEAL Opportunity Scholarship is an intentional effort to increase access to education and transform the lives of persons of color who are low-income and may be first-generation college students. The full-ride scholarship is for students enrolled in either Automation Systems Technology, Criminal Justice, Electro-Mechanical Technology, or Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Programs. The scholarship also provides a cost of living stipend, a paid internship, and a designated faculty mentor.

Maranda Mendiola, Electro-Mechanical Technology Giovanni Aceves, Automation Systems Technology

Spring Fall

JP Cullen Memorial Nursing Endowed Scholarship

The JP Cullen Memorial Nursing Endowed Scholarship was established in 2018 by the Cullen Family to honor their father, John Paul (JP) Cullen, who passed away in 2017. This endowed scholarship supports Blackhawk students enrolled in the Nursing Program.

John Paul (JP) Cullen was the grandson of John Patrick Cullen, founder of JP Cullen, a fifth-generation, family-owned construction business headquartered in Janesville.

Crystal Hobbs, Nursing Mariah Moran, Nursing

Spring Fall

Judy Meidl Memorial Scholarship

Brent Meidl established the Judy Meidl Memorial Scholarship in 2023 in honor of his mother, Judy Meidl, to support Blackhawk students in the Nursing Program. Judy was a registered nurse and longtime faculty member at Blackhawk Technical College in the Nursing Program.

Leighanne Humphreys, Nursing

Fall

Kelsea Anderson Memorial Scholarship

The Kelsea Anderson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 by OrthoIllinois in memory of Kelsea, a Physical Therapist Assistant Blackhawk alumna and valued OrthoIllinois team member, who tragically lost her life in a car accident on New Year's Day 2018. This scholarship supports students in the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.

Leah Keirn, Physical Therapist Assistant

Fall

Kevin Pope Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2022 by Charles and Dawn Pope in memory of their son, Kevin Pope, a beloved chef at the Buckhorn Supper Club for over 22 years (and best broiler chefs in Southern Wisconsin), this memorial scholarship is awarded to a Blackhawk student each Fall semester who is enrolled in their second year of the Culinary Arts Program.

Marcus Evans, Culinary Arts

Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients KUHN North America Scholarship

Established in 2015, the KUHN North America Scholarship provides support to Blackhawk students in the Welding and Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Technician Programs. KUHN North America, Inc., headquartered in Brodhead, Wisconsin, is a leading innovator in agricultural and industrial equipment.

Emily Abramat, Welding Monique Addison, Computer Numeric Control Technician Rhiannon Katzenberg, Welding

Spring Spring & Fall Fall

La Society des 40 et 8 Scholarship in Nursing

Established in 2015, the La Societe des 40 et 8 Scholarship provides support to Blackhawk students enrolled in the Nursing Program. La Societe des 40 et 8 (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses) was founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France.

Charnetha Bell-Johnson, Nursing Shelby Davis, Nursing

Fall Fall

Literacy Connection - Adult Literacy Endowed Scholarship

The Literacy Connection, a former non-profit agency in Janesville, Wisconsin, whose mission was to improve lives through literacy, established the Adult Literacy Endowed Scholarship in 2023. The scholarship is awarded each Fall to a GED graduate student enrolled in any program at Blackhawk.

Adrian Miner, Human Services

Fall

Lois Jacobs Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship

The Lois Jacobs Estate established the scholarship in 2009 in honor of Lois Jacob, a registered nurse who dedicated her life to serving others. The scholarship supports Blackhawk students enrolled in their second year of the Nursing Program.

Jessica Erickson, Nursing Breanna Santiago, Nursing Grace Schrenk, Nursing Tasha Zimmerman, Nursing

Spring Fall Spring Fall

Lou Chalk Scholarship

The Lou Chalk Memorial Scholarship was established through several donations in memory of Lou Chalk, a veteran Blackhawk nursing faculty member who passed away in 2008. This scholarship is awarded to Blackhawk students in the Nursing Program.

Amanda Bade, Nursing Linda Nunley, Nursing

Fall Spring

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Mercyhealth - Making Lives Better - Scholarship

Created in 2022 by Mercyhealth, these full-ride scholarships support Blackhawk students enrolled in Nursing, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Culinary Arts, or Phlebotomy Technician Programs. Mercyhealth is a non-profit healthcare system that operates with over 85 facilities serving a total of 55 communities throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Michael Duran, Nursing Lynn Langer, Surgical Technology Emily Roessler, Culinary Arts Linh Trinh, Radiography

Spring & Fall Fall Spring & Fall Spring & Fall

Mielke Memorial Scholarship

The Mielke Memorial Endowed Scholarship supports students enrolled in any program of study at Blackhawk Technical College.

Amanda Bade, Nursing Fall Kierra Boyd, Business Management Fall Gabrielle Hoffmann, Diagnostic Medical Sonography & Vascular Technology Fall Trinitie Lissa, Early Childhood Education Spring Jacqueline Lucas, Substance Use Disorder Counseling Spring Kristin Meyer, Early Childhood Education Fall Melinda Needham, Laboratory Food Science Technician Spring Kelsee Ritschard, Physical Therapist Assistant Spring

Nancy B. Parker Nursing Scholarship

George Parker III established the Nancy B. Parker Scholarship in 2018 in memory of his mother, Nancy Bauhan Parker, who served as a Mercy Hospital trustee for ten years as she held strong convictions about the care and compassion that nurses deliver to their patients and families. Along with the Parker Family Foundation and other committed healthcare organizations and community members in this region, a $1 million dollar scholarship to support Blackhawk students in the Nursing Program was created.

Dakhia Crawford, Nursing Bertha Cruz Herrera, Nursing Carolina Delgado, Nursing Valerie Diaz, Nursing Cassandra Guy, Nursing Angel Hayward, Nursing Jessica Krause, Nursing Kristen Lee, Nursing Rebecca Leonhardt, Nursing Ashley McDermott, Nursing Lasonya Monroe, Nursing Melissa Nandory, Nursing Nicole Noyce, Nursing

Spring & Fall Spring Spring Spring & Fall Spring & Fall Spring & Fall Spring Fall Spring Spring & Fall Spring & Fall Spring Spring & Fall

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients Nancy B. Parker Nursing Scholarship, cont'd Heather Outland, Nursing Melanie Schmidt, Nursing Yvette Slack, Nursing Claudia Soto, Nursing Cheyenne Stewart, Nursing Bri Thompson, Nursing Courtney Vidmar, Nursing Nicole Webnar, Nursing

Fall Spring & Fall Fall Fall Spring & Fall Fall Spring & Fall Spring

Saving Lives Everyday Scholarship

Bill Tierney and Valerie Nehls established the Saving Lives Everyday Scholarship through the Madison Community Foundation in 2022 to support to students in the Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Healthcare Programs. Due to Bill and Valerie's professional careers in the EMS and first responder arenas, they are strong healthcare advocates and dedicated supporters of their communities.

Lorena Guarneros, Surgical Technology

Fall

Sergeant (Sgt.) Don Doering Vocational Scholarship

The Sergeant Don Doering Vocational Scholarship supports students enrolled in the Welding Program at Blackhawk. It was established in 2019 by Sgt. Don Doering, a native of Janesville, who proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Elizabeth Baron, Welding Evan Ellis, Welding Demitri Rodriguez, Welding

Spring Fall Fall

Stateline Manufacturing Alliance Scholarship

Established in 2023 by the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance (SMA), this scholarship provides support to students enrolled in Blackhawk's Manufacturing Programs.

The SMA is a collaborative and engaged stakeholder group comprised of regional manufacturers, educators, and community partners that are committed to collectively addressing and supporting the youth and adult talent pipeline development needs of manufacturers.

Giovanni Aceves, Automation Systems Technology Demitri Rodriguez, Welding

Fall Fall

Storage Haus Scholarship

Established in 2016, the Storage Haus Scholarship supports Green County students enrolled at Blackhawk's Monroe Campus in their endeavor to pursue an education with the College. For over 20 years, Storage Haus has been a locally-owned and operated total self-storage solution company with locations in Monroe and New Glarus.

Breanna Brooks, Agribusiness/Science Technology Hannah Derrickson, Criminal Justice Studies

Fall Spring

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Sue Farrey Pride Memorial Scholarship

Leonard J. Behnke, along with Sue's surviving family, established the Sue Farrey Pride Memorial Scholarship in 2023, in memory of his Aunt Sue. This scholarship provides support to the LGBTQ+ community and ally students in any program of study at Blackhawk. Sue was a very involved ally to the LGBTQ+ community in Iowa and Wisconsin and supported and respected everyone in their life choices.

Helaina Baker, Associate of Science Rebecca Barnett, Substance Use Disorder Counseling

Fall Fall

Ted Jappert Realtor Scholarship

Ted Jappert, a local realtor and a Blackhawk Industrial Engineering alumnus, established the Ted Jappert Realtor Scholarship in 2023 to provide support to Blackhawk students enrolled in Manufacturing Programs. Ted is passionate about helping Blackhawk students find their pathway to success.

Simon Lange, Welding

Fall

Tracy Family Scholarship

In honor of the family's agricultural business history along with Judith Tracy's lifelong nursing career, the Tracy Family Scholarship was created in 2022 by her son, Josh Tracy, for students enrolled in Blackhawk's Agriculture and Nursing Programs.

Breanna Brooks, Agribusiness/Science Technology Abraham Clark, Agribusiness/Science Technology Issa Conombo, Agribusiness/Science Technology Destiny Genore, Nursing Danielle Hein, Nursing Jason Hunt, Agribusiness/Science Technology Leslie Lavariega, Nursing Leslie Reinke, Agribusiness/Science Technology Nichole Roberts, Nursing Ashley Storms, Nursing Tasha Zimmerman, Nursing

Fall Fall Spring Fall Fall Spring Spring Spring Fall Spring Spring

Violet Radel Memorial Nursing Scholarship

Blackhawk Technical College faculty members established the Violet Radel Memorial Nursing Scholarship in 1986 in memory of Violet, a nursing faculty colleague of Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, to support Blackhawk students in the Nursing Program.

Jordan Calley, Nursing

Spring

Spring & Fall 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Wayne and Janet Albertson Endowed Scholarship

Wayne and Janet Albertson established their endowed scholarship in 2021 to provide support to Blackhawk students in the Agriculture Program. A life-long commitment to operating their three-generation family farm combined with their passion to support the youth talent pipeline of the agricultural industry, they are dedicated to giving back and seeing the industry succeed.

Leslie Reinke, Agribusiness/Science Technology

Fall

Wes Story Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Story Family, this endowed memorial scholarship honors Wes Story and provides support to Blackhawk students in the Criminal Justice Program.

Omar Solis, Criminal Justice Studies Alyssa Shire, Criminal Justice Studies

Fall Spring

William J. Wartmann Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The William J. Wartmann Trust established this endowed scholarship in memory of William Wartmann upon his passing in 2018 to support Blackhawk students pursuing any program of study at the College. Both William and his wife, Joyce, were strong supporters of education.

Brooke Curfman, Nursing Alexis Evans, Medical Adminstrative Coder Jennifer Hansen, Nursing

Fall Spring Spring

Wini Babler Memorial Scholarship

The Babler Family established the Wini Babler Memorial Scholarship to support Blackhawk students in the Nursing or Nursing Assistant Programs. Winifred graduated from Monroe High School in 1937, attended Carroll College, and worked at the Monroe Clinic as one of its first receptionists.

Christine Cornwell, Nursing Nicole Lehr, Nursing

Spring Fall

Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation Scholarship

Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation (WROF) established this scholarship with the Blackhawk Foundation in 2022 to support students enrolled in Agriculture, Nursing, or other Programs at Blackhawk that benefit rural Wisconsin. WROF has been fostering the vitality of rural Wisconsin since 1934.

Travis Downing, Nursing

Fall

WHO

WHAT

We Are

We Do

The Blackhawk Foundation is the bridge between the generosity of donors (community supporters, alumni, and businesses) to our students, faculty, and the College by providing resources necessary to make college possible for all. The Foundation Team consists of Lisa Hurda, Director of Advancement & Foundation, and Lenny Behnke, College Advancement & Foundation Assistant.

The Blackhawk Foundation provides student assistance through scholarships and emergency assistance awards as well as through investment in facilities and resources that enable student success.

The Blackhawk Foundation accepts in-kind donations from area businesses on behalf of the College.

In fiscal year 2023, the Foundation accepted $95,856 of in-kind gifts, including necessary technology and supplies for our manufacturing and medical programs of study.

CONNECT With Us Lisa Hurda

Director of Advancement & Foundation (608) 757-7704 Lhurda@blackhawk.edu

Lenny Behnke

College Advancement Assistant (608) 743-4452 Lbehnke@blackhawk.edu

Thank You Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Partner Sponsor