Scholarship Information

Each year, the Fond du Lac Area Foundation awards more than $100,000 in scholarships to students in Fond du Lac County. These scholarships range from $100 to $4,000.

Scholarship Applications
Please see the listing of scholarships below. Each scholarship is different and there is a listing explaining where scholarships are available and whenever possible, what the deadlines are. If you still have questions, please contact Sue at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation at (920) 921-2215.

All scholarship information is updated and mailed to the local schools and colleges in January of the preceding scholarship year. Most or all scholarships on these pages require applications due before Spring of each year. You may view information online, but please be sure to check back in January for updated application forms.

AAUW Scholarship – Elizabeth Waters

This scholarship was established by the Fond du Lac Branch of the American Association of University Women. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide college scholarships to senior female students graduating from Fond du Lac High School, St. Mary’s Springs High School, Winnebago Lutheran Academy, and Horace Mann High School. Applications are available at the above schools and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

AAUW Scholarship – Re-entry Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Fond du Lac Branch of the American Association of University Women. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide an annual scholarship to a woman who has returned, or is planning to return, to college as a non-traditional student after a lapse of several years (minimum five years) in her formal education. The Fond du Lac Branch of AAUW elected to establish this scholarship to assist mature women seeking a baccalaureate degree in order to enter or re-enter the work force or to improve current employment status. Applications are available at local colleges and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Mary E. Abel Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Mary Abel by her children, Brian, Allen, Anne, and Maureen. The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior residing in Fond du Lac County, who plans to major in elementary education. Applications are available at local schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Alliance to the Fond du Lac County Medical Society

The Alliance to the Fond du Lac County Medical Society established this fund to offer scholarship awards to college and graduate students who are participating in a four-year degree program or graduate program at an accredited college or university in medical or health related fields, exclusive of dentistry, veterinary medicine and chiropractic.

Applicants must have completed at least 30 credit hours, at the time of application, at an accredited college or university to qualify for consideration. Immediate families of physicians are not eligible for these awards. Application forms have been distributed to colleges in Fond du Lac County. Interested persons not currently attending college in Fond du Lac County may pick up or request an application at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

American Legion Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established to provide scholarships for children and grandchildren of American Legion – Trier-Puddy #75 Members. Contact Person – Marcus Oksa (924-3888) to verify eligibility. Applications are available at local high schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Eloise Rueping Atkinson Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Eloise Rueping Atkinson’s past family contributions to this community and to pass on some of the fruits of successful lives to future generations. The purpose of this fund is to encourage and reward academic excellence, achievement and good citizenship on the part of students who are preparing for college enrollment. $1,000 scholarships are awarded to a student at Fond du Lac High School, St. Mary’s Springs High School, and Winnebago Lutheran Academy. Selection is made by appropriate procedure at each school.

Harold Berkholtz Art Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for area students who plan to take art courses in college. Selection is made by Fond du Lac Artists Association. Contact Cheryl Loehr, President of the Fond du Lac Artist Association for application process.

George M. and Margaret E. Corcoran & Thomas and Catherine Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the bequest of Margaret E. Corcoran. This scholarship is available to a Fond du Lac County resident who has expressed an interest in and the ability to obtain a degree in a medical field, including nursing. The eligible student should be currently enrolled or planning to enroll in college, be seeking a degree in a medical field, and have completed (or will have completed) a minimum of 60 college credits during semester of application. Applications are available local colleges and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Donald P. & Marjorie W. Cummins Fund

This scholarship was established by Donald Cummins and his children: Dorothy, Nancy, Byron, Pat, Mary & Carolyn in memory of his wife and their mother, Marjorie Cummins. The purpose of this fund is to provide a $500 scholarship available annually to a student who has returned, or is planning to return, to college as a non-traditional student after a lapse of several years in their formal education in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Applicant must be a returning adult who is 28 years of age or older, demonstrate financial need. Applications are available at local colleges and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Donald D. Dennis Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Jane G. Dennis in partnership with the UW Fond du Lac and colleagues, family, and friends of Professor Dennis as a memorial to him. The purpose of this fund is to award an annual scholarship to a student of UW Fond du Lac who has a special interest and/or proficiency in the fields of history, political science or philosophy. Applications are available at UW-Fond du Lac and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Elmer and Nellie Dixon Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by bequest of Elmer Dixon. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for post-high school students graduating from Fond du Lac County high schools and studying in fields related to agriculture or Protestant Christian Ministry and who are financially needy. Applications are available at Fond du Lac County Schools and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Arnold and Meta Firle Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Arnold and Meta Firle. The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships to graduates of Winnebago Lutheran Academy, St. Mary’s Springs, and Fond du Lac High School, who plan to pursue a degree in an art related field. Applications are available at the three mentioned schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Fond du Lac Area Foundation Scholarships

Fond du Lac Area Foundation Scholarships, available through the E.C. Kiekhaefer Fund, are available to graduating seniors who reside in Fond du Lac County. Applicants must rank in the upper 15% of their graduating class. Applications are mailed to all Fond du Lac County schools, and are also available at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Fond du Lac County Medical Society Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established by the Fond du Lac County Medical Society. The purpose of this fund is to award a scholarship to a graduating high school senior in Fond du Lac County who is planning to pursue a career in a health related field. Applications are available at area high schools and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Jim Gescheidle Scholarship – Custodial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Mary Gescheidle in memory of her husband, Jim Gescheidle, who was killed in a plane accident on November 4, 2002. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior of Fond du Lac High School who participated in the Student Custodial Program established by Jim Gescheidle or a graduating senior of Fond du Lac High School who has a parent/guardian that is currently working as a custodial or maintenance worker in the Fond du Lac School District. Applications are available at Fond du Lac High School and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Jim Gescheidle Scholarship – Non-Custodial Scholarship

applicants of the Jim Gescheidle Custodial Scholarship for students who have participated in the Student Custodial Program or who have a parent/guardian that is currently working as a custodial or maintenance worker in the Fond du Lac School District may apply for both scholarships.

Jim Gilmore Law Enforcement Scholarship

Jim Gilmore, retired Sheriff of Fond du Lac County, has established this scholarship fund to assist future officers with their education and also to give something back to the community that supported him. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior who resides in Fond du Lac County and is pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree in law enforcement. Applications are available at local high schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Chris Henning Scholarship Fund

This fund is established in memory of Chris Henning, a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Fond du Lac Fire Department, who was killed in an automobile accident on May 3, 2003. This scholarship is available to Fond du Lac County high school seniors who will be furthering his/her education toward a career in Emergency Medical Services as a Paramedic OR any Fond du Lac County resident currently enrolled in a Paramedic program. Applications are available at local schools and Fox Valley Technical College.

Webster M. Hurst Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Timm Hurst in honor of his father, Webster Hurst. The purpose of this fund is to provide renewable scholarships to graduating seniors of Fond du Lac High School. Fond du Lac High School makes the selection. Contact Fond du Lac High School Guidance Office for application process.

IAM Lodge #1947 Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established to provide scholarships for members or immediate family members of Local IAM Lodge #1947. Applications are available at all Fond du Lac County Schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation. Scholarship recipients will be selected randomly at a monthly meeting of the IAM Local Lodge #1947.

Dani Johnson Memorial Fund

This scholarship fund was established by Cindy Champeau in memory of her daughter, Danielle ‘Dani’ Mariah Johnson. It will be used to provide a scholarship for graduating seniors who live in the North Fond du Lac School District. Applications are available at Winnebago Lutheran Academy, St. Mary's Spring High School, Fond du Lac High School and Horace Mann.

Bernie Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Bernie Jones by his family and friends. Two scholarships are awarded annually to: 1) a traditional student and 2) a non-Traditional student who attends the UW - Fond du Lac. Applications are available at UW-Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Jeffrey L Merrill Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of 15 year old Jeffrey Merrill who died tragically while competing in a Goodrich High School hockey game in 1989. Scholarships are awarded annually to a Fond du Lac High School graduate who has lettered in at least two varsity sports. Fond du Lac High School makes this selection with aid from the Merrill Family. Contact Fond du Lac High School guidance office for application process.

Francis & Ruth Oberreich Foundation Fund

This fund was established by the Francis & Ruth Oberreich Foundation at the recommendation of Kathryn Montgomery. It will be used to support three music camp scholarships for students who attend Theisen Middle School. Theisen Middle School representatives make the selection. Contact Theisen Middle School Music Department for application process.

Josh Polhamus Scholarship Fund

This fund is established in memory of Josh Polhamus, a Firefighter/Paramedic with the City of Fond du Lac Fire Department, who passed away in a car accident on August 24, 1994. This scholarship is available to Fond du Lac County high school seniors who will be furthering his/her education toward a career in firefighting OR any Fond du Lac County resident currently enrolled in a Fire Protection Technician program. Applications are available at local schools and Fox Valley Technical College.

Robert N. and Alice M. Promen Fund

This scholarship was established by Robert and Alice Promen. The purpose of this fund is to provide an annual college scholarship to a high school senior who lives in or attends school in Fond du Lac County with plans to major in nursing, pre-med, business, or finance. Applications are available at area high schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Harold Reinecke Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of Harold Reinecke, former 4-H and Agriculture Agent for FDL County. Annually a student majoring in agriculture or conservation receives a $500 scholarship in the name of Harold Reinecke. Applications are available at the Association of Commerce and Fond du Lac Area Foundation. Selection is made by Association of Commerce Selection Committee.

Rita J. and Robert E. Rucks Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Robert Rucks in memory of his wife, Rita, who was an avid and excellent baker and cook. It will provide an annual scholarship to a second year student of Culinary Arts at Moraine Park Technical College. Contact Moraine Park Technical College for application process.

Schenck Business Solutions – Patsy Krug Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Schenck Business Solutions in memory of Patsy Krug. This scholarship is available to a graduating senior from one of the three Fond du Lac high schools, (Fond du Lac High School, St. Mary’s Springs, and Winnebago Lutheran Academy), who is pursuing an accounting major. Scholarship applications are available at respective schools and Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Melody Schmidt Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by friends and students of Melody Schmidt as a memorial. It was established to keep the memory of Miss Schmidt, who was a general music teacher and enthusiastic environmentalist, and her work with the students at Chegwin School, alive through a perpetual memorial scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a Chegwin 5th grader to attend a summer music or environmental science camp. Scholarship will be awarded to a 5th grader and held until student completes 6th grade.

Sabish Scholarship

This scholarship is available to graduating seniors of Fond du Lac High School who also attended Sabish. In addition, the student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and must complete a personal essay. Students attending a college, university, or technical college may apply. Applications are available at Fond du Lac High School and Sabish Middle School.

Searl Family Scholarship Fund

This annual scholarship fund was established by Kathleen E. Searl to provide a college scholarship to a Fond du Lac High School graduate who has lettered in Varsity Hockey and one other Varsity sport, exemplifying sportsmanship and teamwork. Selection made by Fond du Lac High School Committee. Applications are available at Fond du Lac High School or Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Sigma Scholarship

The Sigma Scholarship is a $500 scholarship available to female, non-traditional students who reside in Fond du Lac County. Applicant must be enrolled or plan to enroll for a minimum of 9 credits at an accredited institution of higher learning. Applicant must submit high school or college transcript demonstrating minimum of 2.5 GPA. Applications are available at local colleges or Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

William G. Spallas Veterinary Scholarship

A Fond du Lac Area Foundation, William G. Spallas Veterinary Scholarship is available to a Fond du Lac County resident who is pursuing a degree in the field of veterinary medicine. The eligible student should be currently enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine during semester of application. This scholarship was established by the bequest of William G. Spallas.

Applications are available at the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Jerome N. and Gerda F. Strupp Scholarship Fund

This annual scholarship fund was established by Gerda Strupp, family and friends, in memory of her husband, Jerome Strupp, a teacher, principal, personnel director and superintendent of Fond du Lac public schools. He also served in an adjunct capacity for Marian College. Income from this perpetual fund is to provide scholarships for graduating Fond du Lac public high school seniors who major in education, basing awards on financial need, exceptional character, and scholastic achievement. Selection made by Fond du Lac High School Scholarship Committee, contact Fond du Lac High School Guidance office for application process.

IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA – A.D. SUTHERLAND CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

This scholarship was established by Don Thuerwachter and is available to Fond du Lac County high school graduates who are entering or continuing in conservation, ecology, or directly related undergraduate fields of study. Applications are available at the local high schools and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

John and Dixie Weir Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Dr. John Weir in memory of his wife, Dixie. Scholarships are awarded annually to promote proficiency in American History, English and English Composition by students of Fond du Lac High School. Contact Fond du Lac High School Guidance Office for application process.

Roy & Mina Willis Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by bequest of Mina Willis. Scholarships are awarded annually to a graduating senior of St. Mary’s springs, Winnebago Lutheran Academy, and Fond du Lac High Schools. Scholarships are awarded based on the worthiness, need of the student, and satisfactory scholarship. Good citizenship and good moral and personal character shall also be considered. Selection made by respective schools scholarship committees. Contact Guidance Departments for application process.

John D. and Jane A. Wilson Fund

This fund was established in memory of John Wilson. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of Fond du Lac High School based on financial need as well as scholastic achievement. Selection made by Fond du Lac High School Scholarship Committee. Contact Guidance Department for application process.

David Eldon Wohler Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by Eldon and Marian Wohler as a memorial to their son, David, who died unexpectedly in 1989. This award is available annually to a Fond du Lac High School graduate planning to study in the field of pharmacy. Selection made by Fond du Lac High School Selection Committee. Contact Fond du Lac High School Guidance Department for application process.

Michael J. Wolfe Scholarship

This scholarship was established in Michael’s memory by family, friends, and his parents, Jim and Cathy Wolfe, to allow other young students an opportunity to pursue their educational dreams. Michael’s young life was cut tragically short when he died in an automobile accident in October of 1999 while he was home from Purdue University where he was a freshman in the honors engineering program. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior of Fond du Lac High School with plans to major in engineering, math, science, or a medical field. Applications are available at Fond du Lac High School or the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Fond du Lac Area Foundation – Youth for Christ Scholarships.

Fond du Lac Area Youth for Christ Scholarships, available through the Warren and Florence Schellinger Memorial Fund, are available to high school seniors, active participants in a ministry of Fond du Lac Area Youth for Christ, for continuing education purposes. This scholarship fund was established by Warren and Florence’s daughter Bonnie, and son-in-law Dan Springborn, who have also been very active as volunteers with Youth for Christ over the years. Applications are available at the local high schools and the Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Phone: (920) 921-2215
Fax: (920) 921-1036
384 N. Main Street - Suite 4
Fond du Lac, WI 54935