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Home » Student Stories » LTU Alum Ken Claes Pays It Forward with Endowed Scholarship
“We tend to think that we’ve accomplished something on our own,” said Ken Claes, who graduated from LTU in 1973 with a degree in architecture. “Well, to a point we have. But it’s also because someone has helped us along the way; and throughout my entire profession, there’s always been somebody there to help me.”
He never forgot that help – and now he plans to pay it forward with the Deanna Dietz Claes Endowed Scholarship, which he created for LTU students who need help paying for the University’s game-changing education.
The scholarship is also a way to pay tribute to his wife Deanna, who passed away last year. Her abiding support while he pursued his professional career in architecture, construction and real estate was invaluable. “She did a great job running the home and raising three children,” said Ken, who spent 11 years attending night school at LTU. “I thank her for that forever.”
While Ken would like to see the scholarship awarded to a female student, a veteran or someone interested in an architecture or construction career, his main goal is to make sure LTU uses the money every year. Contributing to LTU’s success is rewarding – he’s especially impressed by the addition of health care degrees, such as the physician assistant program, and looks forward to seeing them grow.
In fact, after visiting LTU last year for the first time in years, he is enjoying a renewed relationship with his alma mater. “To feel connected again with something good and solid and important, and with nice people, is a very, very good feeling.”
AUTHOR: Pam Houghton
We have found the more connected the donor is to LTU programs the bigger their support. We have many ways you can help..
One of the best ways you can help students realize their dream of earning a degree is through an endowed scholarship.
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