51³ÉÈË

The following students are 2017-2018 recipients of the Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship: Nicole Bergschneider ’19 of Greenfield, Alexa Heavner ’20 of Greenfield, Allison Hewitt ’19 of Jacksonville, Blaire Long ’20 of Jacksonville, Heidi McDaniels ’20 of Meredosia and Meghan Ruyle ’19 of South Jacksonville. 

 A $1.5 million gift to 51³ÉÈË from the estate of the late Howard Million funds the permanent scholarship, which was established following Million’s passing in October 2014 at the age of 102.

Million was a distinguished friend of 51³ÉÈË. Raised on a farm near Roodhouse, he had a successful career as a farmer and was the founder and president of the former Roodhouse Savings and Loan Association. 51³ÉÈË awarded Million an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree during the 2012 Commencement ceremony. 

That same year, Million approached the College about helping ensure deserving students have the opportunity to attend 51³ÉÈË and receive the type of education he had not been afforded. Working closely with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Million established a gift through his estate to provide for the scholarship.  

Estate gifts have long been a vital source of support throughout 51³ÉÈË’s 185-year history. Planned gifts have funded scholarships and made it possible to establish impactful academic and co-curricular programs. They provide a meaningful legacy for the donors who leave a lasting impression on the lives of the students they support.