Ann E. Carrel

John and Kathryn Link appreciated the value of education, and in their own unique ways, passed on the importance of education to many individuals during their lives. John was a self-made man. He gre up during the depression, was the eldest of eight children, and had to leave school after eighth grade to help support his younger siblings. John farmed his entire life; way very successful in the career he loved and was well-respected in the community. Throughout his life, John continued learning, albeit not in a formal classroom. John served on the local school board, instilled in his children the importance of education, and could easily discuss local and world events. Kathryn received her education from the local school system and graduated from Park College. She earned her B.S. in French. Kathryn began her teaching career in a one room rural school, teaching grades first through eighth. After raising her family, Kathryn returned to teaching; where she taught French, World History, and English to high school students. This scholarship was founded in loving memory of the Donor’s parents. It is her hope, as a three-time alumna of Northern Illinois University, that the recipients will be able to achieve their educational dreams and perhaps pass on the opportunity, when able to do so, to others.