Education Scholarships

A Legacy of Support

SRP's Agua Fria Generating Station is investing in the next generation of educators through the SRP Agua Fria Education Endowment at Glendale Community College. This support reflects SRP's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening the communities it serves.

"We believe in investing in GCC students by helping provide opportunities for education, growth, and lifelong success, ultimately strengthening our entire community."

SRP Agua Fria Generating Station Director

Creating Opportunity Through Education

The SRP Agua Fria Education Endowment supports students pursuing GCC's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education (BAEE/SPED). By helping students navigate the challenges of earning their degrees, the endowment aims to support future educators as they prepare to make a difference in classrooms and communities.

Funding may support student recruitment, retention, and outreach, as well as essential educational expenses such as emergency assistance, testing fees, professional development workshops, and events that contribute to student success.

A Student's Story

GCC's Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education program provides students with practical knowledge and strategies they can bring directly into the classroom.

"I have felt as though every single week I leave class with a strategy that I plan on using in my classroom... I get to participate in a program that values key ideas like management and relationships."

GCC BAEE Student

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled at Glendale Community College in a minimum of 6 credit hours.
• Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education (BAEE/SPED) at GCC.

A Legacy of Support

Dr. Andrew "Andy" Mikus dedicated his life to education, history, and service. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he served in the Pacific during World War II, including aboard the USS Yorktown during the Battle of Midway in 1942. Following the war, he used the G.I. Bill to pursue higher education, eventually earning his doctorate.

Dr. Mikus went on to teach history for many years at Glendale Community College, where he was remembered for his dedication to students, academic excellence, quick wit, and approachable personality. He even kept a replica of the USS Yorktown on his desk, a reminder of his remarkable journey.

Creating Opportunity Through Education

Dr. Mikus believed that understanding history and the humanities was essential to becoming an informed and engaged member of society. He often emphasized that we cannot understand where we are going without first understanding where we have been. The Andrew & Patricia J. Mikus Memorial Scholarship carries forward that belief by supporting GCC students pursuing studies in liberal arts and education. Through this scholarship, their commitment to learning and appreciation for the humanities continue to create opportunities for future generations.

A Student's Story

In 2007, a recipient of the Mikus Memorial Scholarship shared how the award helped ease the financial pressure of pursuing a college education. With aspirations of earning a degree in art and transferring to Northern Arizona University, the student expressed how the scholarship made those goals feel more attainable.

"Because of this scholarship I feel that the future I want will be more possible to achieve."

Andrew & Patricia J. Mikus Memorial Scholarship Recipient, 2007

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled at Glendale Community College.
• Majoring in Liberal Arts or Education.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
• Demonstrate financial need.

A Legacy of Support

Dr. Betsy Herlihy was part of Glendale Community College's early history, serving as a department chair and helping shape the college's academic community. Remembered by colleagues for her kindness and supportive leadership, she left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside her. The Dr. Betsy Herlihy Memorial Scholarship honors her legacy by continuing to support students pursuing higher education.

Creating Opportunity Through Education

The scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in English or Education, helping cover tuition and books. With a preference for Glendale Community College students, the scholarship supports aspiring educators and other students who are preparing to make meaningful contributions through their education and future careers.

A Student's Story

For one GCC student pursuing a career as a high school biology teacher, this scholarship means more than financial assistance. It helps cover textbooks, laboratory supplies, and transportation while allowing him to focus on his education and his responsibilities as a father. Planning to transfer to Arizona State University, he hopes to inspire future students to discover their own passion for science. He also wants to set an example for his young daughter by demonstrating the importance of education, perseverance, and hard work.

"I wanna help this world be a better place for my daughter and all children in this world."

Dr. Betsy Herlihy Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled at a Maricopa Community College, with preference given to GCC students.
• Majoring in English or Education.
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Scholarship funds are designated for tuition and books.

A Legacy of Support

Dr. John R. Waltrip dedicated decades of service to Glendale Community College as an educator and leader. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he joined GCC as a history instructor in 1966 and later served in academic leadership before becoming college president in 1975. During his twenty years as president, he helped guide GCC through a period of growth and change.

Following his retirement in 1995, Dr. Waltrip continued teaching at Estrella Mountain Community College for approximately ten years. His lifelong commitment to education and community service extended beyond the classroom, including his involvement with the Glendale Rotary Club.

Creating Opportunity Through Education

The Faculty Senate Scholarship in Honor of Dr. John Waltrip recognizes his enduring commitment to teaching, academic excellence, and student opportunity. It supports GCC students preparing for careers in education, carrying forward his belief in the value of educators who help others learn and succeed.

A Student's Story

A GCC student pursuing elementary and special education hopes to help children discover their talents and reach their potential. Inspired by personal experience and hands-on work with young learners, the student has taught in youth theater programs while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. The scholarship helps ease the family's tuition burden and creates more room to concentrate on coursework and teaching experiences.

"I believe that no matter what a child's ability is, they have the potential to do great things. I want to help them reach that potential."

Faculty Senate Scholarship in Honor of Dr. John Waltrip Recipient

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled at Glendale Community College.
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA.
• Enroll in and successfully complete at least 9 credit hours per semester.
• Major in Education or pursue an education-related career.

Supporting future educators with a passion for learning

A Legacy of Support

In memory of her mother, Kimberly Golis, along with her husband David Remmel, established the Kathleen Adamo Endowed Scholarship to support students at Glendale Community College pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary/Special Education.

Kathleen "Kathy" Adamo was a lifelong advocate for education and philanthropy. To her, learning wasn't just important—it was essential. Growing up in her home, college wasn't seen as optional; it was simply the next step after high school.

Kathy began her career as a Special Education teacher in Ohio before moving to Mesa, Arizona, in 1976, where she dedicated 28 years to Mesa Public Schools as a School Psychologist. A friend and colleague once described her as "the best school psychologist I have ever worked with," praising her dedication, knowledge, and professionalism. She retired in 2004 to care for her mother, spend time with loved ones, and travel the world.

Creating Opportunity Through Education

Her passion for education lives on through this scholarship, supporting students who share her commitment to learning and making a difference in the world.

A Student's Story

A returning college student preparing to become a middle school teacher shared how financial assistance could help them finish a bachelor's degree. The student described the challenge of balancing coursework, field experiences, preparation for student teaching, and the costs of state and certification exams.

"Receiving this scholarship means the world. Allowing me to stay fully committed to becoming a middle school teacher."

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education (BAEE/SPED) program at Glendale Community College.
• Minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Demonstrated financial need.

A Legacy of Support

The Macleish-Irvine family has longstanding ties to the Maricopa Community Colleges. Mary, the daughter of James and Mary Irvine, and Ken both worked at Glendale Community College. Members of the family also attended Glendale Community College and Phoenix College. Named in honor of James and Mary Irvine, the scholarship reflects the family's enduring connection to community college education and the opportunities it creates.

Creating Opportunity Through Education

The Macleish-Irvine Family Scholarship supports students at Glendale Community College and Phoenix College who are pursuing degrees in Education or Computer Science. By helping with the cost of college, the scholarship is intended to make it easier for students to continue their studies and prepare for their careers. Preference is given to students whose parents did not graduate from college.

A Student's Story

For one scholarship recipient, financial support has made it easier to stay enrolled and plan for the future. The student shared that the award eased the financial pressure on their family, reduced the need to take on student loans, and provided greater stability to focus on coursework and career goals.

"Receiving this scholarship has eased the financial burden on my mother and me while reducing the amount of student-loan debt I may need to take on."

Macleish-Irvine Family Scholarship Recipient

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled at Glendale Community College or Phoenix College.
• Minimum 3.25 GPA.
• Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
• Majoring in Education or Computer Science.
• Pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree.
• Preference, but not a requirement: students whose parents did not graduate from college.

A Legacy of Support

Dr. Matt O. Hanhila (1909–1992) dedicated 58 years to education in Arizona as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, and college administrator. Born in Finland, he immigrated to the United States as a child and went on to earn degrees from three Arizona universities. He joined Glendale Community College as assistant dean in 1965 and served as executive dean (president) from 1967 to 1975. After retiring from administration, he continued teaching mathematics part-time for another 14 years. GCC honored his contributions to athletics by naming its football field Matt O. Hanhila Field.

Howard J. Powers, Dr. Hanhila's son-in-law, continued the family's tradition of educational leadership. Powers spent 30 years as a teacher, coach, and high school administrator and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Education from Arizona State University. A dedicated Rotarian, he joined Phoenix East Rotary in 1975, served as club president in 1980, led a Rotary group study exchange to India in 1993, and served as Rotary District Governor in 1996–1997. His wife, Lynne, Dr. Hanhila's daughter, was also an educator.

The scholarship bears the names of Dr. Hanhila, Howard J. Powers, and Glendale Rotary, recognizing a shared connection to education, leadership, athletics, and community service.

Creating Opportunity Through Education

The Matt O. Hanhila, Howard J. Powers and Glendale Rotary Endowment Scholarship carries forward a shared commitment to education and service. It supports full-time Glendale Community College students majoring in Education or Mathematics who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. Preference is given to GCC student-athletes who exhibit leadership and good sportsmanship on and off the field, reflecting Dr. Hanhila's dedication to both education and athletics.

A Student's Story

For one GCC student pursuing a career as a high school history teacher, education was a family tradition. Inspired by both parents, who were teachers, and the educators who made a difference in their life, this student wanted to provide that same encouragement to future generations.

Through mentoring incoming high school students and volunteering at a local school, the student gained valuable experience working with young learners. With plans to transfer to Arizona State University, scholarship support helped ease financial pressures and brought the dream of becoming an educator closer to reality.

"I want to make a difference in the lives of students the same way they made a difference in mine."

GCC Education Student, Hanhila Scholarship Applicant

Scholarship Requirements

• Enrolled full-time at Glendale Community College.
• U.S. citizen.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Major in Education or Mathematics.
• Preference, but not a requirement: GCC student-athlete demonstrating good sportsmanship and leadership on and off the field.