Donor Stories

The Janice Warne Memorial Scholarship was established through Janice Warne’s thoughtful legacy gift to Lake Area Technical College.

The scholarship provides annual support for students in Nursing, Financial Services, and Agriculture—fields that reflected her values of service, responsibility, and hard work.

Born on her family farm in Bryant, South Dakota, Janice developed a strong work ethic early in life. After attending secretarial school in Minneapolis, she built a 26-year career in banking marked by dedication and perseverance.

Janice passed away in May 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Through her estate plans, she ensured her commitment to education would continue benefiting Lake Area students for generations to come.

Ortwin Buss created a lasting opportunity for students at Lake Area Technical College through his dedication to education. In 2009, he established the Ortwin K. Buss Scholarship to support students demonstrating financial need.

Following his passing in 2017, Ortwin included Lake Area Technical College in his estate plans, leaving a generous legacy gift to support the college in areas of greatest need, ensuring his impact would reach future generations of students in meaningful ways.

A lifelong farmer and devoted family man, Ortwin was known for his generosity, love of the outdoors, and commitment to helping others succeed. His contributions continue to make a difference at Lake Area Technical College, reflecting a legacy of service, foresight, and unwavering support for education.

In October 2024, the Lake Area Technical College Foundation announced the creation of the Geraldine “Gerry” Hawkins Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established by Andy Hawkins, a retired faculty member from the Business department at Lake Area Technical College, in memory of his wife, Geraldine “Gerry” Hawkins.

After many years of teaching and supporting student success at Lake Area Tech, Andy created this scholarship to carry forward his wife’s legacy while supporting female students pursuing careers in business and financial services.

The Geraldine “Gerry” Hawkins Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a second-year female student enrolled in either the Business or Financial Services programs at Lake Area Technical College. First awarded in Spring 2025, the scholarship provides financial assistance and encouragement to women aspiring to make a difference in these fields.

This scholarship honors Geraldine’s memory while reflecting Andy Hawkins’ continued commitment to supporting Lake Area Tech students.

Lillian Martsfield Vockrodt was born on March 5, 1908, in Hinton, Iowa. She graduated from the Pierre School of Nursing in 1926 and began her career working for Dr. E. Larson in Florence, South Dakota. In 1929, she married Tobias Vockrodt, and together they raised their family in South Dakota.

During the difficult farming years of the 1930s, Tobias worked as a carpenter while the couple operated a small dairy delivery service in Hazel. To help support their four children, Lillian returned to nursing and worked for several years at Luther Hospital, later known as Memorial Hospital.

When their sons attended the University of Minnesota, Lillian and Tobias moved to Minneapolis, where she worked at Eitel Hospital. After their sons completed their education, Lillian returned to Watertown and continued caring for patients through hospital and private nursing work.

In loving memory of their mother, her children—Jacquelyn L. Spangler, Maury E. Vockrodt, and Robert W. Vockrodt—established this cholarship to support students pursuing nursing