Rex and Doris Monahan Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support NJC students enrolled in the new T-Prep Program. The T-Prep Program, which is a partnership with CU Denver’s School of Education and Human Development, allows students to start taking classes at NJC to earn an associate’s degree in education. Students in the program are then able to complete face-to-face classes taught by CU Denver faculty on the NJC campus. These classes allow students to earn their bachelor’s degree without having to leave the area. This program allows students to save money and expand their options as teachers. The T-Prep program is available at NJC for the following licensure options: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Special Education.
A scholarship to support these students has been established by Rex William (Bill) Monahan in memory of his parents, Rex and Doris Monahan, who were residents of Sterling and active community supporters for more than fifty years. Rex Monahan served as both president and chairman to the NJC Board of Trustees/Advisory Council from for twenty-two years (1981 – 2003). Doris was a regional historian, and the published author of two books illuminating the history of northeastern Colorado and the South Platte Trail.
In addition to active involvement and support of the Logan County Literacy Coalition, Rex and Doris funded scholarships at various colleges in the state. They also established and funded a host of initiatives and scholarships to encourage the educational advancement of disadvantaged sectors of the community including single parents and persons incarcerated at the Sterling Correctional Facility. During their lives, they provided educational funding to more than one thousand individuals in northeastern Colorado and other local regions. As avid and diverse life-long learners, they exemplified the value of continuing education and were an active source of inspiration to all to do likewise.
The Monahan Learning Center (MLC) inside Knowles Hall on the NJC Campus was named for Rex Monahan in 1992 after renovation and expansion of the building. The MLC promotes students’ academic growth by providing a variety of services and assisting with individual academic needs in order to help students make the most of their educational experience.
Rex was born in Nebraska in and lived there until he joined the Army in 1943. In June of 1945, he graduated from Officers Candidate School in France. He was placed in charge of a prisoner of war camp near Wels, Austria, until the end of the war and was discharged as a First Lieutenant.
After the war, Rex enrolled in the University of Lincoln as a psychology major. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1949. He then studied additional courses and graduated again with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1950. At age 65, he received his Master of Business Degree from Regis College in Denver.
Rex was a founding Trustee Associate of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a senior member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a Certified Professional Geologist.
Doris was born in 1923 and grew up on her family’s farm near Sidney. After graduating high school, she attended Doane College and then moved to New York City. There she worked for a costume-making company. She returned to Nebraska and the University of Nebraska where she met Rex.
Rex and Doris were married in 1947. In the early 50’s they moved to Sterling where Rex entered the oil business. Doris raised their four children: Susan, Kathleen, Melissa and Bill. They were married for 61 years at the time of Rex’s death in 2009.
Rex and Doris received many awards including being voted Citizens of the Year in Sterling in 1988.
Rex’s goal in life was “to improve the human condition” with an emphasis on education. During the last six years of his life, his primary project was the Monahan Second Chance Program for offenders at Sterling Correctional Facility. At the time of his death, 140 offenders had participated in one of 28 classes offered, working toward an Associate of General Studies Degree.
Rex passed away in January of 2009 followed by Doris in August of 2014. The couple’s legacy lives on with the establishment of the Rex and Doris Monahan Memorial Scholarship founded by their son, Bill.
The scholarship bearing their name will provide 100% tuition (after applied grants and other scholarships) and book support to two students who are enrolled at Northeastern Junior College. The scholarship is specifically for students who are working toward an associate’s and/or bachelor’s degree in majors offered through the University of Colorado Denver’s T-Prep partnership with NJC. Funding will be for two years, or the duration of the student’s enrollment at NJC, whichever is less. Funds will be applied to the student’s final semester bill. Funding also includes all eligible assigned course books from the NJC campus and NJC’s digital course fees.
Interested students can apply for this scholarship on NJC’s website by clicking on this link Scholarships | Northeastern Junior College (njc.edu). Search “Rex and Doris Monahan Memorial Scholarship.” Click on the scholarship to view the information about its requirements and then click on the scholarship name to apply. Students must submit two letters of recommendation, their most recent transcripts and submit a 1-2 page essay answering the listed questions. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is September 5, 2022.
The NJC Foundation is proud to honor the memory of Rex and Doris by awarding the scholarship in their name to deserving students who will carry on their goal of improving the human condition.