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Jan W. Sorgenfrei Scholarship

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The Jan W. Sorgenfrei Scholarship was established through the estate of Jan Walter Sorgenfrei. Jan attended Otterbein University for his undergraduate studies and received his Master’s in Education from Bowling Green State University. He was an all-state basketball player in high school and also played at Otterbein. Jan started his career as vice president for Federated Department Stores and later opened Painters Creek Antiques in Pandora. At the time of his passing in December 2012 he was the owner of Old Barn Auction House, which he operated for 25 years. Jan was an avid collector of Indian Artifacts and a member of the Archeological Society of Ohio where he served as past president.

Jan had four children: Greta Manning, Gayle Sorgenfrei, Joseph Sorgenfrei and stepson Ty Comer. As children, they would accompany Jan to many an antique store in pursuit of his passion for Indian relic’s and collectibles. In January of 2001 he married Vicky Sorgenfrei, whom he resided with in Findlay. Mr. and Mrs. Sorgenfrei enjoyed traveling the country together, buying and selling a variety of antiques and Indian Artifacts. The couple worked together at the Old Barn Auction until Mr. Sorgenfrei’s passing. Mr. Sorgenfrei established this fund to help needy high school seniors from Hancock and Hardin Counties who intend to pursue a college education.

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 or Hardin County or a home schooled or online student who resides in Hancock or Hardin 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.