Last year, an anonymous donor gave Kirkwood Community College a five-year gift totaling $350,000 to help wounded veterans and their families.
The Purple Heart Scholarship, founded with this considerate contribution, honors and supports those who earned the Purple Heart, or their spouses and children. Scholarship recipients will have their tuition and books covered for their entire two-year program at Kirkwood. The first of these noble awards was given to Devon Bitner, who is currently enrolled in the Respiratory Therapy program.
“I will forever be grateful for the generous gift the donor made to Kirkwood,” said Bitner. “This gift shows patriotism and support for our troops, and this scholarship has given me the opportunity to further my education.”
The plight and futures of America’s wounded warriors resounded deeply with the donor. “It’s so painful to see people who laid their lives on the line for this country and to understand the sacrifices they and their family members have made without complaining,” the donor said. “We’re excited to do something meaningful to honor our fighting men and women and their families.”
Kirkwood, currently considered a top military-friendly college in the state, has become an education hub for nearly 800 veterans, and the number continues to rise.
The donation founding the Purple Heart Scholarship came with a challenge to the community to raise additional funds for those who earned the honor. “If only all Americans could show the selflessness of our service members,” the donor said. “This is the chance to provide matching dollars to support the courageous people in our own community.”
For more information about the Purple Heart Scholarship at Kirkwood Community College, please contact Jody Donaldson, scholarship and alumni officer, at 319-398-7186.