Honoring Loved Ones Through Legacy

When he passed away at 13 years old, the Brodhead family created the Michael Brodhead Scholarship to honor Michael’s spirit. It is awarded each year to a student with a disability who demonstrates good moral character, maintains good scholastic standing, and participates in extracurricular activities. “Quite frankly, the Foundation made it a lot easier for us as a family to administer a scholarship fund... we get to see Michael’s memory in our community continuing, and that’s really important to us,” says Rob. 

As the organization grew, part of the proceeds was routed into another cause: the Ashley Burgauer Scholarship, created through the Foundation to benefit a Muncie student entering the medical field. From Ashley’s mother: “Nursing was her thing. That was her passion... Just to see that someone is going to further their education with a little bit of money in Ashley’s honor is wonderful. This process has helped a lot in knowing that Ashley’s legacy will live on and that she didn’t die in vain.” 

When Tom was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, the community rallied behind him. After his passing, Lesley established the Tom Devine Memorial Scholarship in his honor, saying, “I knew that The Community Foundation would invest the money—that they would handle everything—and that’s what I needed.” Today, the scholarship helps graduating high school students who have overcome obstacles, and who might not have received other major scholarships. 

In 1994, the Ivy Tech Foundation established the Hurley and Fredine (Wynn) Goodall Scholarship, created to benefit local Ivy Tech students. The Goodall family endorsed the fund at The Community Foundation, believing that philanthropy was crucial to community betterment. “This is the only hope [of] making change happen,” said Hurley. 

Today, the E.K. Keesling Memorial Scholarship has helped dozens of Delaware County students continue their education while carrying on the history of the Center High School Spartans. The application honors those who have succeeded the Spartans by benefiting Perry Township students graduating from Wapahani High School, as well as those whose family members attended the historic school.  

“My parents gave in a variety of ways to their family, friends, and community” says Jeffrey McKibben. “My hope is that ... their legacy will continue to touch the community they served and loved... For me, as their son, there is an added value that my parents will be honored and remembered for their philanthropy.” 

“He really enjoyed the social part of school, and the extracurricular activities along with the academics. It’s about supporting someone who would resemble him and aspires to pursue sports with education.” Proceeds from an annual golf outing help to grow the scholarship fund, which Shawn wishes to maintain indefinitely. The family also dedicated a Little League diamond as “Nickfield” to honor the community that helped raise their son.  

Rex’s sister Rhea says, “I know that it’s really meaningful to my parents to know that we are helping families and taking a little bit of that burden away.” Applicants don’t need to be the “perfect” student, the family believes – they just need to be themselves and have a desire for higher education. Through the fund and its impact, the Waldo family hopes to carry on Rex’s legacy in words and deeds for generations to come. 

Today, the Bobby Watters Scholarship annually supports a graduating high school student from Daleville, helping students in the community to grow their own education and inspiring young leaders to follow in Bobby’s footsteps. “Being a donor to The Community Foundation, we’ve been able to give back and help establish a bond with the community... Being able to keep his memory alive within the community is priceless,” says Paula. 

As a ten-year 4-H member, Chuck mentored the future farmers of Delaware County and was proud to pass on the noble livelihood. When Chuck passed away, his family and friends established a scholarship to honor his legacy and continue his work. Today, the Charles L. Whitehair Memorial Scholarship is granted to a Delaware County student who has been involved in 4-H or FFA and is pursuing agriculture or business.  

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