Officials at Iowa Western Community College in Atlantic, say a local couple has stepped forward again this year with plans to continue providing scholarships for educational opportunities for students in Southwest Iowa.

Don and Lois Sonntag

The Don & Lois Sonntag Endowment Fund has donated $2,000 to be utilized for nursing scholarships. The Atlantic couple invite others to join with them in supporting area students who are pursuing the profession of nursing by donating to this scholarship fund.

In addition, the Sonntag’s say they will match additional gifts up to $5000 to benefit students attending Iowa Western Community College. The goal is to appeal for funds to match the challenge and to create  scholarship opportunities for students from the Cass County area who are pursuing a career in nursing, especially those serving patients with cancer.

The scholarship fund will provide financial assistance to those enrolled in nursing prerequisites or the nursing program. Matching funds under this endowment program can be in any amount. All funds shall be submitted to Iowa Western Community College Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax deductible entity.  All donors will be recognized per their request.

Iowa Western Community College will make decisions on all applications according to need and scholarship criteria. The amount awarded to each student will depend on the number of qualified applicants. The scholarships will be for classes starting August 19, 2013, and students from Atlantic and the surrounding area may qualify. All funds from the effort will be used only for students enrolled in the nursing program or prerequisite nursing courses at Iowa Western Community College.

Students who are pursuing the nursing profession, through coursework at Iowa Western, may apply for these scholarship funds by completing and submitting the paperwork to the Cass County Center by August 2.   The scholarship application is available at the Cass County Center, 705 Walnut or on-line at www.iwcc.edu.

For additional information, contact:  Don Sonntag at 712-249-1906 or Ann Pross, Iowa Western Cass County Center Director at 712-243-5527.