The Alexandria Technical and Community College Foundation held the Dean Schenk Memorial Torque Wrench Presentation on February 6. This annual tool scholarship is awarded to students in their second year of the Diesel Mechanics program.

The Dean Schenk Memorial Scholarship was founded by Karen Schenk. The five students awarded the scholarship this year were Nick Gilk, Richmond, Minn.; O.P. Hendrickson, New York Mills, Minn.; Griffen Jensen, Waconia, Minn.; Chase Overmann, Freeport, Minn.; and Mason Studemann, Atwater, Minn. Each student received a specially engraved torque wrench, valued at over $1,000, to take with them as they begin their careers.

“Thank you for the opportunities you have provided the students over the years,” said Hendrickson, one of the recipients, in his video submission for the scholarship. “I think the Dean Schenk scholarship is an incredible program, and it is really encouraging knowing people are will to do these types of things.” 

Dean Schenk was a 1971 Alexandria College diesel program graduate. He passed away in September of 2017, and to honor his memory, his wife, Karen Schenk worked with the Alexandria College Foundation to establish the Dean Schenk Memorial Scholarship.

During the presentation ceremony, Dave Steussy, a 1968 graduate of the Alexandria College diesel program and former instructor at the college, gave a presentation about the history of the program and the college. He also shared important lessons he has learned over the years to help the students navigate into the beginning of their careers.

The Schenks’ connection to Alexandria College has become a legacy that continues to give to the program and be honored by those who attend the diesel program.