This Human Services scholarship was established in 1979 by the family and friends of former MCC instructor John P. Vautravers. Income from this memorial endowment will support students pursuing a human services program degree or a liberal arts transfer AA or AS degree.
A native of Grand Island, Nebraska, John received his undergraduate degree from UNL in 1964 and his master's degree in psychology from UNO in 1970. John began employment in 1968 with the Omaha Technical Community College, a predecessor to Metropolitan Technical Community College. He became a vocational counselor and psychology instructor when MCC was formed in 1974.
In addition to teaching and counseling at MCC, John was referred to as the "founding father" of the Student Government Association. He also helped organize the first intramural sports activities at MCC.
John died in April 1979 at the age of 37, five months after being diagnosed with lymphoma. He is survived by his children, James Vautravers and Cindy Ervin, and later his four grandchildren. His brother Richard Vautravers and sister-in-law Eileen Vautravers also survive John. John will be forever lovingly cherished in their hearts and minds.
John's philosophy was a humanistic one. According to an MCC publication, he professed, "People are basically good, if given a caring and positive environment."
The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees and books.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Financial need may be considered but not required
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
- Must have completed 15 credit hours in HMSV prefix courses
- Must have completed at least 30 credit hours that apply to the Human Services or Chemical Dependency degree
Scholarships are usually offered during the spring and fall quarters. Scholarship availability varies depending on donor giving.