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Mary Hogan Bencini Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established 2012

Mary Hogan Bencini
Mary Hogan Bencini

This fund was created at the time of Mary Hogan Bencini’s passing.

Mary Bencini (1949-2012) also named the Community Foundation to receive a gift from her estate to provide scholarships to graduates of Geneva High School who are pursuing a degree in the field of education.

Mary Hogan Bencini was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

She then became a resident of Geneva, Illinois where she taught second grade at Western Avenue Elementary School for thirty-four years

As a teacher, she thought it was essential to not only challenge her students, but also to provide them with the opportunities and resources to learn

In June 2006, she retired from teaching. She continued her volunteer activities which were recognized by the community in 2004 when she received the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Wood Community Service Award.

Mary Bencini was a beloved teacher and community leader whose legacy will continue through the annual awarding of scholarships in her name.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I was worried about how I was going to pay for books and supplies. This scholarship will allow me to focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to afford college. I am working to not only create opportunities for myself but to motivate future generations. Thank you so much for helping me along this journey!

Moises J.

Claude & Alice Allen Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Thank you very much for supporting my college education for these four years. I will never be able to repay you for the opportunity that this scholarship has given to me.

Julia H.

[Renewing Scholarship Recipient] Graduate of Hinkley-Big Rock High School

We chose the Community Foundation because of its reputation. It’s well known, established and we can trust them to do the job for us.

Dick Schindel

Richard and Susan Schindel Scholarship Funds

…you can always start small, even $25 can make a difference. Remember we can’t take our money with us. Even if it’s just your gift of time. Volunteer and get involved.

Cris Anderson

Cristina & Thomas S. Anderson Endowment Fund | Tom & Cris Anderson Colonial Advisory Fund

A community foundation is a donor-driven organization that helps donors custom-design funds that reflect their charitable interests. Through the years, grants from these funds have made a significant impact on our local communities.

Sharon Stredde

President Emeritus

There’s no question in my mind that the scholarship I received opened up possibilities.

Marianne Renner

Past Scholarship Recipient & Current Leadership Coach

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