Institutional scholarships are vital to the 99 percent of Hesston College students who receive institutional aid. These scholarships are awarded to students who have particular interests, qualifications or financial need. The following scholarships have been added to the list of endowed scholarships since fall of 2013.
The Marion and Buetta (Wyse) Bontrager Scholarship
Marion Bontrager ’57 served in the religious life area at Hesston College for 40 years, teaching Bible, Pastoral Ministries, history and general education courses, including conceptualizing and creating the curriculum for the renowned Biblical Literature course. Buetta took a strong interest in Hesston College, supporting her husband in his teaching ministry. Buetta passed away in December 2006, and Marion retired from Hesston College in May 2014.
The scholarship was established by Marion and Buetta (Wyse) Bontrager in gratitude for the college’s contribution to them, their family and the Mennonite church, and will be awarded to students majoring in Bible and religion.
The Jim and Belle Boyts Scholarship
Jim Ac51 and Anna Belle “Belle” (Stoltzfus) Ac51 Boyts are long-time supporters of Hesston College. Jim served Hesston College as a special assistant to the President for Financial Affairs from 1969 to 1972. He passed away in June 2010. Belle continues to be active in the Hesston College community.
The scholarship was established with dollars raised from the 2013 Hesston College Golf Benefit, which honored Jim’s legacy and contributions to Hesston College, and will be awarded to students who are sincere about their commitment to learning.
The John and Brenda Burkey Endowed Scholarship
John ’64 and Brenda Burkey have a longstanding history of involvement and generous giving of time and resources to the college, including co-organizing the annual Nebraska Golf Benefit.
The scholarship was established in recognition of the Burkeys’ 25 years of faithful, generous support of Hesston College students through the golf benefit. Recipients will be students from Nebraska.
The Nelson Kilmer Science Scholarship
Nelson Kilmer dedicated 46 years of his life to Hesston College as a professor and administrator. He retired in May 2014.
The scholarship, established by Nelson’s children Ron Kilmer ’85 and Krista Nelson and their families in recognition of Nelson’s long and inspiring career and service to Hesston College, will be awarded to students who demonstrate an aptitude and passion for a career in physics, engineering or the sciences.
The Orville and Naomi Rutschman Scholarship
Orville Ac47 and Naomi Rutschman are Hesston residents with strong family ties to the college and careers that demonstrate their shared commitment of service to others.
The scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in the college’s Nursing and Disaster Management programs
The Bill and Sherry White Endowed Scholarship
Bill and Sherry White have helped organize and run the Nebraska Golf Benefit for 25 years, one of the most well-organized and enjoyable golf benefits held on behalf of Hesston College.
The scholarship was established in recognition of the Whites’ 25 years of faithful and generous support of Hesston College students through the golf benefit. Recipients will be students from Milford, Neb.