Ottumwa Leadership Academy, now in its fourth year, welcomed applications for the 2016 cohort. With a successful year of recruitment, 24 applications were submitted — however, of those who applied three were vying for one scholarship. That was until Eldon Hunsicker, Partner of NOEL Insurance found out and was compelled to do something.
“We want to see people go through the Ottumwa Leadership Academy,” stated Eldon. “We need more equipped leaders in this community and here these folks want to be part of our community and develop as leaders. So, we created the Russ Sporer Leadership Academy Scholarship.” Russ Sporer, one of the partners of NOEL Insurance, served as the first Dean of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy.
The scholarship was awarded to Lisa Kent, Wapello County Recorder. “I am so pleased to have been chosen for this scholarship,” stated Kent. “The generosity of NOEL Insurance to make sure there was an opportunity for another scholarship speaks volumes about their leadership and the program itself. I am looking forward to being a part of it.”
Generosity and leadership can also be seen through the giving of the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship.
Following his tenure, the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation wanted to honor Andy’s dedication to the betterment of the Ottumwa community by creating the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship.
This scholarship is for one year’s tuition for a participant from a non-profit organization or small business that might not otherwise be able to send someone.
“It truly is an honor to be part of the development of leaders in Ottumwa through this scholarship,” stated Hansen. “Each year I’m impressed with the quality of applicants that I review, making it a difficult decision on who gets the scholarship.”
This year the Andy Hansen Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Juanita Zavala, Active Ottumwa Coordinator with the University of Iowa. “I am very grateful for this opportunity. I appreciate the generosity of the Legacy Foundation and that Mr. Hansen selected me for this year’s scholarship,” stated Zavala. “I look forward to learning more about our community as well as continuing to develop my leadership skills.”
