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Marshalltown, IA – Graduating students from the West Marshall Community School District will benefit from a recent donation for an endowed scholarship from Jayne Hager Dee. The Eric W, Dee and Jayne Hager Dee Endowed Scholarship makes tuition funds available to first generation students attending Marshalltown Community College,

The Dee’s believe in higher education. Both Eric and Jayne are the first members of their families to graduate from college.  Eric attended Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Animal Science. Along with his brother Allan, they operated Dee Brothers Company, a purebred seedstock pig business, and farmed northeast of State Center, The business was sold in 1997.  Eric died in 2023. Jayne earned both her BS and MS degrees from Iowa State University.  Later, she joined the faculty and moved into administration at Iowa State.  She was a member of the Marshalltown Community College Foundation board and was elected to the Iowa Valley Community College District board.  She represented Iowa’s community colleges on the Iowa Association of School Board’s board of directors. She also served on the Marshall County Board of Supervisors in 1993. They moved to Minnesota in 1999, where Jayne joined the University of Minnesota and served as Regional Director for University of Minnesota Extension in southern Minnesota for 13 years before she retired.  Both of their sons graduated from University of Minnesota.

MCC not only nurtures the personal development of students but also contributes to the community’s growth and prosperity by building a skilled workforce and creating opportunities for everyone, no matter their background.  The MCC Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the mission of MCC by providing financial assistance to students and enhancing the overall educational experience. As an integral part of MCC, the Foundation helps bridge the gap between the cost of education and students’ ability to afford it. Through scholarships, grants, and fundraising efforts, the Foundation ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to affordable, quality education.

“The Marshall County community, Eric’s home community, was good to our family.  The education we both received at Iowa State University gave us a tremendous advantage. Helping young people start their higher education journey close to home is a fitting legacy,” Jayne said.

“We are so thankful to the Hager Dee Family for their generous donation. This scholarship will help students realize their educational dreams here at MCC for years to come,” Elizabeth Wise, Executive Director, MCC Foundation.

The MCC Foundation awarded $477,283 last year in scholarships, thanks to the generosity of donors.  By donating, you are investing in the future in our community.  How do you donate?  Donating is easy!  You can donate to the Foundation by visiting us online at www.marshalltowncommunitycollegefoundation.org or contact us at 641-844-5747.