The Dick and Mary Holland Scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Dick and Mary Holland and the impact they had in the community.
For many years Dick and the Mary Holland were deeply involved in numerous philanthropic efforts benefiting children, education, the arts, and the environment. These projects include the Omaha Performing Arts Center, the Omaha Symphony, Omaha Opera, the Joslyn Art Museum, and Metropolitan Community College Foundation. The couple was among the principal supporters for the benefit of disadvantaged children in the Child Saving Institute, Completely Kids, and Partnership 4 Kids, NorthStar as well as the Jesuit Middle School and the College of St. Mary and Creighton Prep. In support of the environment, the Hollands gifted the Nebraska Nature Conservancy. The University of Nebraska Medical Cardiology Research Laboratory and the Sorrell Center for Health Science Education at UNMC have been funded by a gift of the Hollands as well as the Nebraska Medicine Cancer Center and Regenerative Medicine Department. They made numerous other gifts to other Omaha charities and arts associations.
Holland, as Chairman, formed the Holland Children’s Movement and Holland Children’s Institute as a comprehensive program and plan to overcome the problems of educating disadvantaged children in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
The Hollands were recipients of many awards for their philanthropy including the Governor’s Art Award, Sower Award, Grace Abbott, Nebraskalander, United Way Citizen of the Year, Horatio Alger, and the Nebraska Philanthropic Award.
Mr. Holland played an active role on the boards of the Opera Omaha as Vice Chairman, the Omaha Performing Arts Society as Vice Chairman, and the Omaha Symphony. He was also the Chairman of the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures.
Holland expressed reluctance to being recognized, saying that "what I am doing is giving back to the community, a partial payment for those who educated and supported me". He also expressed his belief that philanthropy is a duty for those with such means.
This scholarship provides funding for tuition, fees, books, required certifications, and tools/equipment or supplies needed for completion. Students should be pursuing an associate degree in skilled trades or health and technical science programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Full- or part-time students
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above at time of application
- Preference for First Generation - High School Dual Credit students, NorthStar Foundation or Partnership for Kids participants
- Financial need as per the FAFSA is considered but not required
Scholarships are usually offered during the spring and fall quarters. Scholarship availability varies depending on donor giving.