CLEVELAND, WI – A new scholarship fund has been established at Lakeshore College to support students pursuing higher education, thanks to the generosity and vision of a recent donor. The Eugene A. and Elsie E. Patterson Scholarship Fund was created to honor the enduring legacy of Eugene and Elsie Patterson and their shared belief in the transformative power of education.
 
Elsie Patterson has established a $150,000 scholarship fund to provide opportunities for students who demonstrate determination, perseverance, and a passion for learning.
 
The purpose of the scholarship is to provide encouragement through financial support to students at Lakeshore College who have already demonstrated commitment to their education. Applicants must have completed at least two semesters of coursework at Lakeshore College. The fund is intended to assist U.S. citizens who are experiencing financial challenges in pursuing their college education.
 
Eugene and Elsie Patterson’s story reflects resilience and a deep appreciation for education. Both were born during the Great Depression, a time when access to higher education was limited, particularly for women. Eugene attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and went on to build a successful career as a salesman.
 
Elsie’s path to higher education was less traditional. After dedicating years to raising their children, she pursued her long-held dream of attending college. At the age of 44, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she graduated magna cum laude—an achievement that speaks to her determination and lifelong commitment to learning.
 
Through the establishment of this scholarship fund, Elsie honors both her own journey and Eugene’s legacy. The Eugene A. and Elsie E. Patterson Scholarship Fund aims to inspire and support students who may face obstacles in their educational pursuits, reinforcing the belief that it is never too late to achieve one’s academic goals.
 
“This scholarship reflects a lifelong belief in the power of education to change lives,” said Courtney Donati, executive director of the Lakeshore Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for this generous gift, which will open doors for students for years to come.”
 
For more information about the Eugene A. and Elsie E. Patterson Scholarship Fund, please contact Donati at 920.693.1700 or courtney.donati@lakeshore.edu.

ABOUT LAKESHORE COLLEGE
Lakeshore College, formerly known as Lakeshore Technical College, is a comprehensive community and technical college educating more than 9,000 students annually. Students enroll at Lakeshore to master real-world, employable career skills and start their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. Lakeshore faculty and staff are focused on providing each student an individualized learning experience.
 
Lakeshore College is a nationally recognized two-year college. The college was ranked #2 in the nation by Washington Monthly, #17 in the nation by Forbes, #2 in the state by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college by the Aspen Institute, a 2024 Bellwether Award winner, and named the 2021 Large Business/Industry of the Year by the Chamber of Manitowoc County.
 
Approximately 800 students graduate from Lakeshore each year, and associate degree graduates report earning a median salary of $61,355 within six months of graduating. In addition to the Cleveland campus, Lakeshore educates students at learning campuses in downtown Manitowoc and Sheboygan. Classes are also offered at additional sites throughout the district. Visit Lakeshore at lakeshore.edu.
 
Contact:              Amy Hanson, Senior Marketing Specialist
Phone:                 920.693.1345
Email:                   amy.hanson@lakeshore.edu  
Press Room:       lakeshore.edu/lakeshore-news  
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