Black Canyon residents establish scholarship at NAU

In an effort to foster Arizona’s tradition of community spirit, two Arizona residents from Black Canyon City have established a scholarship fund through their estate planning to ease the financial burden for some Northern Arizona University students.

Kollis B. and Opal A. King donated a $382,350 endowment to the NAU Foundation that will generate more than $15,000 annually in scholarship awards.

The scholarships will be available starting the 2007 fall semester to students born in Arizona who maintain a 3.00 grade point average and demonstrate good character.

“The Kings felt compelled to foster community spirit by helping Arizona’s youth,” said Karin Von Kay, project coordinator for gift planning and stewardship in University Advancement.

The Kings enjoyed the outdoors and traveling to historic Arizona sites and through the western United States. During World War II they both served in the U.S. Navy.

At 81, Kollis King hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim. Born in Arizona, he witnessed people experiencing hardships and sacrifices during the Great Depression from 1929 through the early 1940s. King credited his perseverance for his successful career as an expert in the production of dental appliances.

For information, contact NAU’s Office of Student Financial Aid at (928) 523- 4951.