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About Us

Our Mission -
Funding College Dreams

The Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund is a community-based, non-profit organization 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to encourage post high-school study by Oconomowoc area students.

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Scholarships are awarded annually to students planning four years of undergraduate study or to students planning a two-year program at a technical college.

Our Mission

Founder & History

History of the Fund

In 1947 C.W. Brown, our founder, gathered a group of community leaders for the purpose of developing a way to aid area students who were interested in continuing their education beyond the high school level. Today, the Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund is run by a board of community members passionate about education and opportunity for Oconomowoc area students. 

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Funding for scholarships relies on public contributions, support via philanthropic activities and general solicitations from the community. A portion of the funds comes from the Hilbert Scherffius Fund, administered by the Oconomowoc Area Foundation (Greater Milwaukee Foundation).

About our Founder - C.W. Brown

CW-Brown1.jpg

The Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund was founded in 1947 by C. W. Brown, owner of C. W. Brown Printing Company and Publisher/Editor of the Oconomowoc Enterprise. Brown’s tie to the newspaper business reaches back to his childhood job in Fargo, ND as a newspaper delivery boy in the early 1900’s.

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At the early age of 16, Brown was made circulation manager of the Fargo Forum. Brown’s love for print media brought him to Wisconsin in 1936 and to the opportunity with the Oconomowoc Enterprise. His family quickly became involved in the printing business with his two sons, Bruce and Bart, serving integral roles in the paper’s daily operations and technology advancements throughout the years.

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The family continues in the tradition of supporting the Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund and many other community organizations to date.

Founder & History

Board of Directors

OSF Board of Directors – 2024-2025

Officers
Directors

  • William Lentz

  • Angela Fisher

  • Jolene Pipp

  • Colleen Moran

  • Dr. Susan Schrank

  • Panny Bongardt

  • Kerry Grosse

  • Brad Bella

OSF Board 2024_edited.jpg

Row 1, Left to Right: Dr. Susan Schrank, Jolene Pipp, Katie Sadorf, Angela Fisher

Row 2, Left to Right: Brad Bella, Colleen Moran, Bill Lentz

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Not Pictured: Panny Bongardt, Jeff Ek, Steve Garman, Kerry Grosse, Jennifer Pesicek,

Board of Directors

Past Presidents

The OSF would not be here today without our dedicated and passionate presidents. We are forever grateful for their leadership and contributions.

  • Jolene Pipp (2021-2023)

  • Linda Patel (2019-2021)

  • Tracy Fazi (2015-2019)

  • Mike Toennies (2011-2015)

  • Jeff Burchardt (2007-2010)

  • Bill Lentz (2005-2007)

  • Jack Hutter (2002-2004)

  • Jeff Feder (1999-2001)

  • John B. Cooley (1994-1998)

  • William Kreutzmann (1990-1993)

  • Bart Brown (1987-1989)

  • ​Mary Henszey (1984-1986)

  • Corene Thorsen (1981-1983)

  • Richard C. Navine, Jr. (1980)

  • William Wiersdma (1977-1979)

  • Jack Kinn (1977)

  • E. Herbert Warner (1965-1969)

  • W.A. Andrews (1962-1964)

  • C.W. Brown (1956-1961)

Past Presidents
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