Cathy Zellner Memorial Scholarship

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Established 2015

Catherine L. Zellner was a graduate of Arcadia High School in 1979 and from the University of Toledo in 1981, with a degree in Architectural Technology. She began working for Jim Rooney, Architect in 1983, the design firm which eventually grew into RCM Architects, Inc., from which she retired in early 2013.

During her 30-year career, Cathy was responsible for providing construction documents, interior design, building design, and project management on some of the most prominent buildings in the greater Findlay area. Her crowning contribution to Findlay came in the completion of the three new schools, Donnell Middle School, Glenwood Middle School, and Millstream Career & Technical Center.

Throughout her career, she also volunteered in many ways. Cathy was a member of the Flag City Morning Rotary Club; an alum of the Hancock Leadership program; a deacon at First Presbyterian Church; was a Board Member and Chairman of Open Arms Domestic Violence Shelter; was a Ground Crew Volunteer for the Flag City Honor Flight; is a Founding Member, Blending Vision Team Member and Council Member for the Journey at Christ Church in Findlay; and is a Member of the University of Toledo President's Club and UT Alumni Association.

In October of 2013, Cathy was awarded the ATHENA Award as part of the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Celebration. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for other women to follow.

Cathy was married to husband Jim, and mother to sons Jeff and Greg. Cathy loved her family, her community, her career and people in general. In all her endeavors, she gave her best and she gave it from the heart. Probably Cathy's greatest gift was her willingness to share the story of her battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Despite the challenge of Cancer, she remained positive and an inspiration to countless people throughout her treatment. Cathy passed away on January 18, 2014 and it is in her honor that this scholarship is established.

Standards for Determining Eligibility

  • The applicant must plan to be a full-time student enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical school.
  • The applicant must be a graduating senior of a high school located in Hancock County or a home-schooled or online student who resides in Hancock County.
  • The applicant must have maintained a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA in high school.
  • The applicant must be able to demonstrate participation in Community/Volunteer Service.
  • Applicant must be a resident of the United States of America.
  • Financial need may be a consideration
  • Any student who receives a full scholarship that includes all of the fees normally payable by policy of The Community Foundation will not qualify for this Scholarship.