Robert and Hertha Rockwell Scholarship

Corning Community College Development Foundation, Inc. proudly announces the Robert and Hertha Rockwell Scholarship established by their daughter, Sandra Rockwell Herron of La Habra Heights, CA. The Fund is capable of receiving additional contributions from any person, corporation, or other organization.

Robert and Hertha (Godley) Rockwell were married on December 29, 1941. Robert graduated from Paonia High School in Paonia, CO. He attended Whittier College in CA, and then graduated from Stanford University in 1933. Robert served with the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving in North Africa. A resident of Corning since 1933, Robert owned and operated The Rockwell Company and the Carder Steuben Glass Shop until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of the Corning Museum of Glass, Spencer Crest Nature Center, Corning Rotary Club, Corning Chamber of Commerce, The Rockwell Museum, Horse Vigilante Society, National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Buffalo Bill Historical Society, Corning-Painted Post Historical Society, Salvation Army, American Legion, and VFW.

Robert served as President of the Corning Rotary Club and of the Corning Chamber of Commerce and received many awards and honors during his life, including the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Corning Rotary Club; Trustee of the National Cowboy Hall of Fame; Steuben County Hall of Fame; Honorary Juris Doctor degree from Whittier College; Distinguished Service Award from Five Rivers Council of Boy Scouts of America; John Eberenz Enterprise Award; Spencer Crest Nature Center Conservator Award; Trustee of the Corning Museum of Glass; Humanitarian Award from American Red Cross; Honorary Rotarian Award; Robert Scriver's Award for outstanding contributions to western art; Congressional Proclamation from former U.S. Representative Eric Massa; Robert Rockwell Day from the City of Corning (also given the key to the city); Trustee and later Trustee Emeritus of The Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Robert passed away on April 17, 2009, at the age of 97.

Hertha was also very involved in community and civic activities. She was active in the school consolidation during the 1950s, a member of the P.T.A., Corning Women's Club, Corning-Painted Post Historical Society (Past President), Watson Homestead, Benjamin Patterson Inn, Spencer Crest Nature Center, American Field Service, and Hospital Chapter F. Hertha was involved with Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, Planned Parenthood, a Trustee for Corning Community College for 18 years, and a Trustee of The Rockwell Museum. Working together with the Corning Glass Works, she was instrumental in saving the old City Hall building from demolition and creating The Rockwell Museum. In 1997 Hertha was honored for her community involvement by receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Corning Rotary Club. She was also inducted into the Steuben County Hall of Fame. Hertha passed away on October 23, 2004, at the age of 91.

The purpose of the Fund shall be to provide one annual scholarship for a new or continuing Corning Community College student enrolled in a Liberal Arts and Sciences program on a full-time (at least 12 credits) basis with preference for those studying performing arts and/or natural sciences, exhibit academic achievement by earning a high school average of at least 85% or a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0, demonstrate evidence of good character, remain in good academic standing, and exhibit a strong desire for education. The Fund shall be used to provide a scholarship for books, supplies, and other educational expenses related to attending Corning Community College.

Scholarship applications can be found online at www.corning-cc.edu/future/scholarships. Applicants must submit a Scholarship Application as well as an essay (250-word minimum) detailing why Corning Community College is the place for their education and the impact these scholarship funds will have on their future plans.

The mission of the Corning Community College Development Foundation, Inc. is to solicit, receive, and manage assets in order to contribute to the long-range goals, objectives, and success of Corning Community College. Board of Directors include Conrad R. Wolan, president; Arie J. van den Blink, vice president; Marie E. Heher, secretary; and Katherine E. Stickler '86, treasurer.

For additional information or to contribute to the Robert and Hertha Rockwell Scholarship, please contact Debbie Stayer Kelly '91 at (607) 962-9144 or email kelly_d@corning-cc.edu.