Statler family solidifies legacy at Kirkwood with $1 million scholarship commitment
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Friday, April 13, 2018)-Kirkwood Community College dedicated the Statler Agricultural Sciences Center at Washington Hall in a ceremony
yesterday on the college's main campus. Attended by college and community leaders, the event recognized the significant contributions to Kirkwood's
Agricultural programs made by Larry and Jan Statler.
Larry founded Kirkwood's Agriculture program in 1968 and led the department until his retirement in 1990. His wife Jan served an important role as a
department assistant for nine years. Together they worked to build a foundation of excellence that led to Kirkwood's recognition today as the number one
two-year agriculture department in the nation.
Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich, who spoke at the event, said it was important for the college to recognize the Statler's big impact.
'Even in 1968, the Statlers ensured that Kirkwood was committed to providing the necessary training opportunities to keep pace with the advancing technology
of modern agriculture,' said Starcevich. 'Without their vision, decades of commitment and hard work, we couldn't have achieved our status today as number
one in the nation.'
In honor of Larry and Jan's service to Kirkwood, the Kent and Julie Statler family have made a $1 million gift commitment to the Kirkwood Foundation to fund
student scholarships. Kent is the son of Larry and Jan and is also a member of the Kirkwood Foundation Board of Directors.
According to Starcevich, the pledge is yet another example of the family's long-held devotion to students and the college.
'This gift once again shows the Statlers' dedication to Kirkwood and its students,' said Starcevich. 'Their selfless legacy of service to the college has
spanned across decades and generations. Larry got it started in 1968 - and it still continues in 2018. With every student that receives a scholarship
because of the Statlers' generosity, their incredible legacy will continue to grow.'
