Scholarship Funds

Aim High Scholarship

This fund provides educational scholarships in honor of Isaac Hague, Robert and Marie Hughes, Elva A. Tess Likens and Berta M. Willennar.

Aschleman, Raymond, Luella and David Scholarship Fund

Established in 2018 by the Aschelman Family to provide support for educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attend accredited educational organization.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Automotive Scholarship Endowment Fund

Established in April 2000 and proudly sponsored by the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival Committee and interested donors, for a student studying in an automotive related field.

Boyd, Wayne E. Scholarship Fund

Established in April 2000 by Wayne Boyd to provide educational scholarships for DeKalb County students.

Bunge Athletic Scholarship Fund

Established in 2018 to provide support for educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attend accredited two or four-year public or private institutions of higher learning.

Butler Community Day Care BEE Scholarship

Established in November 2016 by the Butler Community Day Care Board of Directors. The fund will award scholarships to a DeKalb Eastern Community School graduate or an adult living within the DeKalb County Eastern Community School District who is pursuing a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a degree in Elementary Education.

Davis, Ben Memorial Fund

Established in 2014 in memory of Ben by his family after he passed away. Ben entered the automobile business in Fort Wayne in 1970. In 1980, he became owner of Rohm Chevrolet, which became Ben Davis Chevrolet and in 2013 became co-owner of Ben Davis Ford.

DeKalb County Community Scholars Fund

Established in July 2012 by the Community Foundation DeKalb County’s Board of Directors. This fund provides educational scholarships in honor of Hilda B. Campbell, Judy Marsh and Delbert McBride.

DeKalb County Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in May 2006, is funded by the DeKalb County Master Gardeners, and is awarded by CFDC.

Eldridge, Sarah Jean Fund

Established in April 2011, the fund provides educational scholarships for Garrett High School seniors. Miss Eldridge spent her professional career as a teacher, retiring from the Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School District in 1986 after 33 years.

Fee, Leland R. Scholarship Fund

Established in January 2015, Mr. Fee’s family established this scholarship in his memory after his death in December 2014. Beginning in 1949, Mr. Fee taught mathematics and science at Ashley High School for five years, served as the principal of Salem Center High School for 13 years, then returned to Ashley High School as principal from 1965 until his retirement in 1985.

Feller, Rex A. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in September 2013, this fund provides educational scholarships for DeKalb or Eastside High School students. Rex A. Feller believed in life-long learning and self-improvement. Numerous friends and family established this scholarship in Rex’s memory after he passed away in 2013 from a battle with cancer.

Fifer, Chuck Memorial Fund

Established in October 2016. Chuck was the owner and head floral designer at the Sprinkling Can in downtown Auburn. Chuck was past president of the Auburn Downtown Business Association and Indiana Teleflora, he was a member of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Floral Association.

Fisk, Harry Scholarship Fund

Harry Fisk lived near Waterloo, Indiana all his life. After graduating from Waterloo High School in 1919 he served in the United States Navy. This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002.

Hague, Isaac Scholarship Fund

Isaac served as postmaster of Waterloo from 1869 until he was elected DeKalb County auditor in 1874. This scholarship was created by the Hague’s daughter, Dr. Stella Hague, to honor her father.

Hague, Julia Scholarship Fund

This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002. This scholarship was created by the Hague’s daughter, Dr. Stella Hague, to honor her mother. Stella graduated from Indiana University in 1893 and worked as an associate professor of botany at the University of Illinois from 1915-1940 before returning to her family home in Auburn.

Hannes, Jack & Sharon Scholarship Fund

Established in October 2015 by the Hannes’ three daughters – Lesslie Keeling, Lesa Sofhauser and Cathy Vick – in honor of their parents. The fund supports a nontraditional student of engineering or social work.

Hannifin, Parker Scholarship Fund

The Parker Hannifin Corporation established this scholarship in October 2003 to support students pursuing higher education.

Herzer, Barbara Scholarship Fund

This fund was originally established with the DeKalb Central School Alumni Foundation, Inc. and transferred to the Community Foundation in December 2006. Barbara Herzer taught physical education and health at Auburn High School, McKenney Harrison Elementary and DeKalb Middle School. “I have always felt it a privilege to teach young people,” she said when she retired from teaching. “I strived to give my students the best I had every day and to encourage each of them to reach his or her possibility.” When Mrs. Herzer died she left a gift to provide educational support for a female athlete.

Hill, Carol L. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in October 2006 by her husband and children to honor Carol’s giving spirit. Carol Hill was a resident of Garrett for 34 years. She was active in the community as a Cub Scout leader (Troop #3178) and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Holsinger, Lynn and Josephine Scholarship Fund

This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002. Lynn Holsinger taught mathematics to seventh and eighth graders at Auburn Junior High School. His wife, Josephine, taught first and second grades at DeSoto Elementary School in east Auburn. They established a scholarship to share their love of education.

Hughes, Robert and Marie Fund

Robert Hughes and Marie (Sprott) Hughes were married in 1934 and were lifelong residents of DeKalb County. Robert co-owned Hughes Drug Store in Garrett from 1929 to 1972.

Jones, Coach Bill Memorial Scholarship

The fund was established in November 2015 by the family. William Kent “Coach” Jones was a teacher and baseball coach for 39 years. The fund provides a scholarship to a graduating senior involved with an Indiana high school baseball program.

Kempf, Jane Elmira Mullen Communications Scholarship Fund

Established in 2017 to provide support for educational scholarships for students who are accepted into and attend accredited two or four-year public or private institutions of higher learning.

Jody Kessler Skilled Trades Scholarship

Joel “Jody” Kessler, born in Auburn, was a 1977 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he excelled in tennis and baseball and was a member of the state finalist baseball team. He loved music and was a huge NASCAR fan. Jody was a metal fabricator, and his family said he could fix anything. Jody helped countless people over the years, and the impact he made on those around him lives on. His family started this scholarship in 2022 to recognize and honor that impact.

Knox, JaBraun Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2013, this fund provides scholarships to DeKalb High School seniors who participate in sports. U.S. Army Sgt. JaBraun Steven Knox, 23, of Auburn, was killed in action on May 18, 2012, in Afghanistan when an enemy rocket struck. JaBraun was a 2007 graduate of DeKalb High School, where he excelled in sports.

Lash, Don Fund

This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002. In 1936, Don Lash set a world record for the two-mile run and competed in the Berlin Olympics, placing 14th in the 5K and 8th in the 10K. In 1938 he won the Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete. He was inducted into the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1995.

Laurie Family Golf Scholarship

Established in October 2017 by Charles L. Laurie and his mother, Betty J. Laurie. The scholarship is intended to help a graduating senior from DeKalb High School who has participated in the school’s golf program. Charles L., Betty, and her late husband, Charles B., were all excellent, competitive golfers.

Likens, Elva A. Tess Fund

Elva A. Tess Likens was a practical nurse who lived on North Van Buren Street in Auburn.

Marsh, Judy Fund

Judy Marsh was a long time DeKalb County resident and business woman. One of Judy’s most enjoyable hobbies was playing golf. Friends and fellow golfing partners honor her memory by supporting community causes that were important to her.

Mavis, Imogene Music Scholarship Fund

Established in 2017, the fund will provide scholarships to DeKalb County students that were involved with music throughout high school and may plan a career in music or continue with music as an extracurricular activity in college.

McBride, Delbert Fund

Delbert McBride passed away at the age of 91 on November 4, 1962. He had no close family and left most of his fortune to charitable orginizations in Auburn. This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002. The fund awards educational scholarships.

Means, George Stanley and Rose Ilean Fund

This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2009. Stanley and Rose lived on a farm near St. Joe, Indiana. Stanley was a cattle inspector and farmer. Rose taught at Harrison Elementary School in what is now the DeKalb Central School district.

Memorial Fund for the Children of David and Ruth Walters

Established in May 2010 to provide educational scholarships. The fund was created in memory of the children of David and Ruth Walters: Susie (Walters) Bishop, Annette (Walters) Bowman and Ed Walters.

Murphy, Mary Lois Grimm Scholarship Fund

Established in September 1997. Mary Lois Murphy Grimm was an educator in eastern DeKalb County. Mary’s husband, Howard Grimm, Sr., established this scholarship in her memory through a gift in his will. “Her pure heart, spirit and noble soul inspired many,” he said.

Northeast Indiana Business and Professional Women’s Club Scholarship Fund

Established in March 2000 by the Auburn Business and Professional Women’s Club to provide educational scholarships for DeKalb County students.

Oberkiser, Lucas A. Scholarship Fund

Established in September 2016. Lucas was a junior at DeKalb High School where he was a member of the football and track and field teams. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, riding his four-wheeler and swimming. He liked playing basketball and sand volleyball on the weekends and bowling.

Otterstedt, Jessica Memorial Scholarship

Established in August 2014. Jessica Otterstedt was born and raised in DeKalb County. Jessica was a girl scout in her early years, and show choir member as a high school junior. Jessica planned on attending Ball State to become a mathematics teacher at the time of her accidental death in 2004. While her family continues to mourn her passing, they nonetheless celebrate her 17 years of life and the wonderful memories she left them.

Padilla, Derek L. Scholarship Fund

Established in September 2016. Derek was a junior at DeKalb High School where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams. He loved watching football, especially his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed helping coach middle school football and time spent with his Baron Football family.

Penfield, Walter S. Scholarship Fund

This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002. Walter A. Penfield was born in Auburn in 1879 and graduated from Auburn High School. He went on to practice international law in Washington, DC and won many honors, awards, and decorations in his field.

Perry, Dr. Keith E. Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by the family of Dr. Keith E. Perry in his memory after he passed away in July of 2020. Dr. Perry served the community in numerous ways during his lifetime.

Peters, Winifred Scholarship Fund

After her passing in 2006, her daughter, Cheryl, fulfilled her mother’s wish to establish a scholarship fund in her memory. Winifred Peters was a lifetime resident of Garrett and a teacher for over 42 years. She taught at Garrett-Keyser-Butler, Jackson Township, and Keyser Township schools.

Questa Scholars Fund

Established in April 2011 to provide educational scholarship loans. Portions of the loans are forgivable when students meet specific criteria.

Randinelli Family Instrumental Music Scholarship

Established in November 2012 by Jack and Ruth Randinelli. The scholarship honors the Randinelli daughters’ interest in music. Kim Randinelli and Kari (Randinelli) Ackerman studied piano as young girls and were both successful musicians in elementary and high school.

Rieke, Lukas Brian Scholarship Fund

Established in May 2017 by family and friends. Lucas graduated from Garrett High School and after graduation he attended diving school in Charleston, South Carolina, to become a commercial diver. Luke was fun-loving and never turned down a challenge. He was adventurous and lived life to the fullest.

Ruegsegger, Donald Scholarship for Christian Leadership Fund

Established in August 2000 by his son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Joy Ruegsegger, in memory of Donald and in recognition of his appreciation for Youth for Christ. Donald Ruegsegger was a businessman and community leader from Waterloo who exemplified Christian values in his everyday contact with members of the community.

Sechler, Tony Memorial Fund

Established in January 2008 with a gift from the estate of Franklyn Sechler to provide an educational scholarship in memory of his son Tony. This scholarship is currently applied to and awarded by the Eastside Area Foundation.

Jon Thomas Smith Memorial Vocational Scholarship

Jon was raised in rural Butler. He was an active member of 4-H and played basketball, and participated on the track team while at Eastside. After high school, Jon became an engineer for Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Jon was exceptionally creative and had a love for art and music. His family says, “he was as kind-hearted as he was tall (6’10”).” This scholarship was started in his memory to support students pursuing a vocational or technical degree.

Smith, Sirleine M. Library Science Scholarship

Established in September 2017. Sirleine began her career at the Eckhart Public Library as a Clerk in 1968 and became library Director in 1975. During her tenure as Director, the state changed the laws requiring an academic degree to retain various library positions. Sirleine returned to school and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University in 1979. Through this scholarship, Sirleine liked to encourage others to pursue a career in library services.

Spink, Dr. James P. Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund

Established in September 2010, this fund was created in memory of Dr. James P. Spink to honor his giving spirit. Dr. Spink, in 1970, founded the Northeastern Community Mental Health Center which serves DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble, and Steuben Counties. In 1979, he established a private practice at the Family Counseling Center with offices in Angola and Auburn. Dr. Spink used his unique talents to help thousands of people throughout his life, whether or not they could pay him.

Starkey Science Endowment Fund

Established in July 2000 by the Donn & Connie Starkey family to emphasize the importance of science in education.

Sunday, Warren G. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in 1998 by his friends and family, this scholarship honors the memory of Warren G. Sunday. He was a prominent attorney in DeKalb County who believed in many different forms of education.

The Curiosity Shop, Inc. Fund

Established in September 2010. The Curiosity Shop, Inc. is dedicated to helping individuals who are seeking higher education in a medical field.

Tri Kappa Scholarship Fund

Established in June 2016 to provide educational scholarships for seniors from DeKalb High School who are accepted into and attend accredited two- or four-year public or private institutions of higher learning. Auburn Tri Kappa awards two scholarships each year, one for academic excellence, and one recognizing a student’s community service. The scholarships are currently applied to and awarded by Auburn Tri Kappa.

White, Robert D. and Virginia E. Scholarship Fund

Established in September 2000 by the Whites who were big supporters of positive activities for young people, including higher education. Virginia and Robert operated a successful retail grocery business in Auburn for many years.

Willennar, Berta M. Scholarship Fund

Berta Willennar was a member of the Hamilton Methodist Church and participated in many community activities that related to education and philanthropy. Her husband, Orlie, was a teacher in DeKalb and Steuben Counties. This fund was transferred from the Auburn Foundation, Inc. to the Community Foundation in December 2002.

Yarian, Melanie A. Memorial Fund

Established in November 2008 by her family to honor her memory. Melanie was a dancer and a musician. She loved school and developed an interest in whales and dolphins that she used as the inspiration for art and science projects. After a six-year illness, Melanie died at the young age of 17.

Zakula, Pat Legacy Fund

Established in October 2016. Pat was the Executive Director at the Children First Center, Auburn, Indiana, for 36 years, retiring in 2015. Pat was known for her service to, respect of and work for the at-risk and underserved people in the community.