GCCC Endowment Association Announces New Endowed Scholarship: Dr. Merilyn and Steve Douglass Scholarship
The GCCC Endowment Association (GCCCEA) is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. Merilyn and Steve Douglass Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship that will provide financial assistance to Garden City Community College (GCCC) students beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year.
The scholarship was established by Dr. Merilyn Douglass and her husband, Steve Douglass, to help expand access to higher education for GCCC students. Dr. Douglass is a longtime member of the Garden City Community College Board of Trustees and has been a dedicated advocate for student success. The scholarship will be awarded to students who maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.
For Dr. Douglass, supporting students has always been at the heart of her service. "I've always believed in advocating for student success," said Douglass. "Community colleges are a tremendous gift to the communities they serve. They create opportunities, remove barriers, and change lives. As GCCC continues to grow and add new programs, more students will need scholarships. This is one way Steve and I can continue giving back."
Now serving her 17th year as an elected member of the GCCC Board of Trustees, Douglass first became involved with the college through her passion for nursing education. A nurse practitioner by profession, she was a strong advocate for strengthening GCCC's nursing program to meet the healthcare needs of southwest Kansas. Over the years, that dedication has evolved into a passion for supporting the college's mission across every academic program.
"What started with nursing grew into an appreciation for everything the college does," Douglass said. "I've seen how GCCC responds to the needs of our community by creating programs that prepare students for meaningful careers. Every new program means new opportunities for students, but it also means a greater need for scholarships to help them succeed."
The Douglass family has been a longtime supporter of Garden City Community College and its students. In addition to establishing this scholarship, Merilyn and Steve have contributed through Phonathon, Match Day, annual giving, and other charitable gifts. Steve, a GCCC alumnus, and his family have also established an endowed nursing scholarship through the GCCC Endowment Association.
"Merilyn and Steve have demonstrated what it means to invest in students and the future of our community," said Scott Kedrowski, Dean of Advancement and Alumni Relations at GCCC. "Their generosity, combined with Dr. Douglass' years of leadership and advocacy, will have a lasting impact on generations of GCCC students. We hope their story inspires others to consider how they, too, can make a difference through an endowed scholarship."
The Dr. Merilyn and Steve Douglass Scholarship will begin awarding scholarships during the 2027-2028 academic year. Students may apply when the online GCCC scholarship application opens on October 1, 2026.
Endowed scholarships create a lasting impact by providing support for students year after year. Contributions are invested to build the fund over time, while a portion of the investment earnings is used annually to award scholarships, ensuring the donor's generosity continues for future generations.
To learn more about establishing an endowed scholarship or other giving opportunities through the Garden City Community College Endowment Association, contact endowment@gcccks.edu or 620-276-0412.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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