Jeff Shmidl, Business & Finance Program Director and dedicated employee giver, established his first scholarship in memory of his mother, honoring her unrealized dream of attending college by supporting agriculture students in her name. His passion for giving is shaped by years of witnessing students struggle to balance basic needs with the cost of education, including a single mother who was able to complete her degree with less than $1,000 in support. Jeff believes that every contribution, regardless of size, has the power to remove barriers and open doors to life changing opportunities. He says one of the most meaningful parts of giving is receiving heartfelt thank you letters from students, powerful reminders of how donor generosity can truly transform futures.

The Robert & Kimberly Dickerson Opportunity & Perseverance Scholarship was established in 2024 as a tribute to the transformational role LCCC played in Rob Dickerson’s life, beginning when he arrived as a nontraditional student searching for direction and unsure of his academic abilities. Guided by exceptional mentors like English instructor Janelle Moore and math and business professor Ray Steege, Rob gained the confidence, skills, and support that helped him thrive, ultimately graduating from the University of Wyoming as the top accounting student and building a successful career as a partner at RLR, LLP. Understanding firsthand the financial and personal barriers many students face, Rob and his family created this scholarship to uplift nontraditional learners who, like him, simply need an opportunity and someone to believe in their potential. Rob hopes the scholarship will serve as the encouragement that pushes students to “go for it,” reminding them that determination, mentorship, and a little financial support can change the entire trajectory of a life.