George “Corky” and Ramona Berg, both long-time residents of Willmar, established this scholarship in 2019 to support students pursuing careers in the area of social work.  Corky and Ramona believe in giving back to their community, and this scholarship is a way for...

Since 1962, Custom Products has been producing custom cabs, ROPs and operator protection for the off-highway industry. Founded on a respect for working men and women and the belief in their need for protection from nature’s elements and on-the-job hazards. The...

This fund was established in 1991, through a series of gifts from brothers, Leonard Danielson and Willard Danielson. The brothers were so impressed by the nursing care they received over the years, the Danielson’s were moved to help others pursue education and...

Don was a former college employee who worked for the Maintenance Department. This scholarship was established by co-workers, friends and family in his honor, and goes to students employed as a work study students for the college’s Maintenance Department.

Don was a former counselor at the college and upon his retirement, he established this scholarship. Students must exhibit initiative and enthusiam in meeting their academic goals. This award alternates each year between Liberal Arts and technical students.

Dr. Bradley Wolfe joined Ridgewater College as a communication instructor in 2021. As a first-generation college student himself, Dr. Wolfe established this scholarship fund to support other underrepresented students pursuing an education in communication studies.

The Dr. Brian Bonte scholarship fund has been established to assist students pursuing a CNA or EMT certification on the Hutchinson Campus. Dr. Bonte was one of the first EMTs in Iowa at the age of 17. He also worked as a nurse’s aide/orderly at the Veterans’ Hospital...

Duke and Audrey Thiele owned and operated Thiele Studio in Glencoe, Minnesota until 1971. At that time Duke established the Photography program at Willmar Vo-Tech. He served as chair of the department until his retirement in 1991. He received Craftsman and several...

Thanks to a community fundraising effort in the summer of 2019, this scholarship was established to help address the critical shortage of childcare workers in Kandiyohi County. This scholarship is funded by Ridgewater instructors for students enrolled in the Early...

In 1996, Edward and Clara of Willmar established an endowed scholarship fund to support Ridgewater College students. Eligible students can be enrolled in any program on the Willmar campus.

This scholarship is funded by Ridgewater instructors for students enrolled in a Liberal Arts program on the Hutchinson campus with an intent to transfer to a 4-year degree in Education or English.

Established in honor of former Photography instructor; is awarded to a student enrolled in the Professional Photography program.

Elaine was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker who also worked for a time as a nurse. She was active in her community church as a member of the PTA, AFS Committee, American Legion Post 96 Auxiliary, General Federated Women’s Club (GFWC), and McLeod County Republican...

This scholarship is funded by past and current instructors and goes to students enrolled in the Electrician program.

Estelle was an instructor at Willmar Tech College from 1961 until her retirement in 1990, at which time she provided a savings certificate to the Foundation with earnings to be used for student activities and scholarships. This scholarship is for students enrolled in...

The Foot Lake 4 Walk /Run is one of the premier events that takes place during Willmar Fests. It is designed to provide fun for all age groups and levels of participation. From 1996-2006, Rice Health Foundation donated a portion of funds raised from the event to...

This scholarship was established with memorial gifts made by the family and friends of Fred. Fred was an employee with MN DOT for over 41 years, retiring in 1999 as the District #8 Maintenance Supervisor. Fred served for 11 years with the MN National Guard, and he...

This scholarship is funded by general scholarship donations and is awarded to incoming first year Liberal Arts students, who are full time status, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The student must have graduated from high school within past 18 months. No single student can...

The Gene Haas Foundation is a private foundation committed to manufacturing education and providing support for local communities. The Foundation offers scholarships to high schools, community colleges, and special educational programs that help build skills within...

George Pherigo – the founder of Ridgewater’s NDT program — was honored during a ceremony that attracted former students, faculty and NDT industry officials from across the country. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a plaque honoring the Litchfield native who died in...

Hamm Seeds is an independent farm seed business for DeKalb and Asgrow. Our mission is to provide the best Agronomic for our growers. Hamm Seeds established this scholarship to help future students in the agricultural industry.

This scholarship was established by faculty and is given to a HIT/ MCS student each year.

Helen (Bernie’s wife), helped run the family businesses while raising four children. Helen played a huge role in encouraging her kids to pursue their educational dreams: two are teachers, one a nurse, and one a chemist. When Bernie’s scholarship was created, the...

Helen was a 1948 graduate of the U of M with a Public Health Nursing degree. She worked as a public health nurse for over 26 years and was a member of the American Nursing Association for 30 years; serving on district, state, and national committees. This scholarship...

Heritage Bank started over 45 years ago with a few tiny banks in Minnesota and Iowa. With its strong commitment to local communities Heritage Bank has grown to $400 million in assets. One way Heritage Bank gives back to it’s community is through scholarships, which...

Founded in 1984, the Hutchinson Health Foundation has been dedicated to facilitating community support and financial donations for high quality health care programs and services in Hutchinson and the surrounding area. This scholarship is awarded to Ridgewater...

Funded by donations from Liberal Arts faculty, this scholarship goes to students enrolled in the Liberal Arts program seeking an AA degree and who intend to transfer to a 4-year college or university.

The VFW traces its roots back to when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or...

Janet Jaeger began teaching in the Practical Nursing program in 1977, retiring in 2006. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. Her experience included hospital staff nursing as...

James was a student at Ridgewater studying Automotive Technology when he passed away in an automobile accident in 2011. His family and friends established an endowment fund in his memory through an annual “Circle of Friends” golf tournament. The scholarship is for...