The founder of ABC Laboratories, Dr. Charles Gehrke, and his wife, Virginia valued hard work and education. To honor the Gehrkes in a meaningful way that recognizes those values, ABC Laboratories has established the Dr. Charles W. and Virginia Gehrke Scholarship Fund.

Charles Gerhke (third from left) being photographed in 1969 as he and other scientists inspect moon rocks.

The purpose of the Dr. Charles & Virginia Gehrke Scholarship is to help support the scholastic endeavors of children of ABC employees who are pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited college, university or technical school. The scholarship can be used to pursue any course of study and may be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies or equipment required for courses taken at the educational institution. To give future graduates an opportunity to apply for the scholarship, it is not renewable.

In making its selection, the committee will consider the following:

• The applicant’s interest in furthering his or her education.
• The applicant’s willingness to work.
• The applicant’s participation in leadership in school, church or community activities and/or employment or volunteerism.
• The applicant’s academic achievements.

To apply for the scholarship, eligible students should complete the online scholarship application. Completed applications must be received by August 15, 2011. The scholarship recipient must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution by September 1, 2011, or the funds will be allocated to a runner up.