Foundation News

Coffeyville Resources Donates $5,000 to Tate Memorial Scholarship 

Coffeyville Resources, LLC presented a $5,000 donation today to the Coffeyville Community College Foundation for the Derrick Jordan Tate Memorial Scholarship.  

The Tate Memorial Scholarship was established last August in memory of Derrick Tate, son of Coffeyville Resources’ employee Zan Tate. Derrick was killed on April 25, 2005 in an automobile accident. At the time of the accident, 19-year-old Derrick was a student at Coffeyville Community College majoring in band and computer science.

“Our hearts and prayers remain with the Tate family,” said Keith Osborn, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing, LLC. “Making this donation to the Tate Memorial Scholarship gives all of us the opportunity to honor the memory of Derrick Tate by helping other Coffeyville Community College students fulfill their dreams.”  

With this contribution, the Tate Memorial Scholarship now has a total of $8,090 in donations. A total of $15,000 in donations is required to endow the scholarship.  

“We appreciate this scholarship from Coffeyville Resources,” said Coffeyville Community College President Dr. Don A. Woodburn.  “This scholarship will provide an opportunity for some students to gain a pathway to higher education who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”  

College receives $250,000 gift from Walker Foundation 

Coffeyville Community College has been notified by the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation that it will receive a $250,000 gift for the endowment of unrestricted scholarships through the Coffeyville Community College Foundation.

Willard and Pat Walker have been long-time supporters of Coffeyville Community College.  In 1998, they provided the funding for the College to renovate and expand the biological science laboratories in the Arts and Sciences building.  Later, they provided funding for the College to purchase the former United Cities Gas Company building, renovate it, and create an Alumni Center for the College.  Both the science labs and the Alumni Center were named for the Walkers.  In 2002, the Walkers endowed four scholarships to honor four of their special friends who live locally.

Willard Walker grew up in Dearing and attended CCC.  Willard and Pat left Coffeyville in 1941, eventually making their home in Springdale, Arkansas.

Willard passed away in 2003, but the Walker Foundation continues its support of the College.  “The Walker family has enjoyed its relationship over the years with (Coffeyville Community College), and has observed with great pride the tremendous impact that you have had in your community,” said Debbie Walker, Executive Director of the Willard and Pat Walker Foundation.  “We consider it a privilege to have supported your institution over the years, and we are honored to continue our partnership with you.”

Dean Pryor Honorary Track Scholarship fund reaches $80,000

Thanks to a loyal group of former athletes, family, and friends of Coach Pryor, the scholarship fund has reached the $80,000 mark.

In less than two years, Larry Wagner, class of 1956, and several other athletes coach by Dean Pryor, have worked diligently to see their coach properly honored, while helping the CCC track program at the same time.  This group was instrumental in organizing the second annual reunion of track and football athletes coach by Mr. Pryor.  The event was held April 12, 2003 at Veterans Memorial Stadium.  Those in attendance had the opportunity to visit with former team members, reminisce with Coach Pryor, and enjoy the excitement of the Dean Pryor Track Invitational.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, five new track scholarships are now available and will be awarded this fall.