Employee Makes an Impact for Veteran Students

Donna McHugh

As a veteran of the US Air Force, former student and 20-year employee, Donna McHugh understands the important role TTC plays for veterans in the region.

But recently, she learned that the only active TTC scholarship specifically for veterans is no longer being funded.

"Through my work in the Office of Institutional Research, I work very closely with the scholarship selection process. When I realized there was a need, I knew I had to do something," says Donna.

She established the Ken "Mac" McHugh Veteran Appreciation Scholarship, named for her father. One of over 130 scholarships managed by the TTC Foundation, the scholarship will provide up to $1,000 per year for tuition, books, supplies, and fees. The scholarship will assist veterans of the US Armed forces or the US Coast Guard enrolled in any Associate in Applied Science program who have a financial need.

The McHugh family has a tradition of military service dating back to the Civil War. Five McHughs are listed on the veterans memorial in her father’s hometown of Shiocton, Wisconsin.

Ken "Mac" McHugh

“My father has always been very proud of my military service along with many others in our family," says Donna. "He served in the Coast Guard as a mechanic and cook, among other things. I served as a flight simulator navigation systems technician in the USAF. I want to help veterans and honor my dad with this scholarship.”

TTC enrolls more veterans than any local post-secondary institution, typically serving over 1,500 veteran students each year. While the college offers a variety of services to meet the needs of current and former military veterans, not all veterans receive government benefits for education.

“Those are the ones I want to help with this scholarship," Donna says, "Many have been out of the service for years and need assistance changing vocations or getting additional skills.”

Donna has also benefited from TTC Foundation programs. With help from the credit course reimbursement program, Donna was able to continue her education after TTC and go on to earn and bachelor's and master's degrees.

She says, "I am proud to work for an institution that provides so much opportunity to our community and grateful that I can give back in this way."

Learn more about TTC Foundation scholarships

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