Weghorn Family Endowed Scholarship

Scholarship Criteria: Student recipients shall demonstrate financial need, have received a minimum ACT score of 21 or a high school GPA of 2.5 or greater, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater while enrolled at the University of Northwestern. Recipients should demonstrate a commitment to growing spiritually and academically while preparing to serve the Lord in their chosen field.

Scholarship Story:

The Weghorn Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2022 by Jack and Gloria Weghorn. Their desire was to make a University of Northwestern education financially possible for students who are committed to growing spiritually and academically so that they are fully prepared to serve the Lord in their desired fields of interest.

After Jack and Gloria's passing, their daughter, Mary (Weghorn) Walburg, and her husband, Scott, became representatives of the scholarship and continue the family's commitment to supporting future generations of students.

Jack and Gloria's story began in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, where they met as high school sweethearts. Their love endured through Jack's military service, during which he faithfully wrote Gloria letters every day. They married on September 21st, 1952, and enjoyed more than 71 years together. God was at the center of their relationship, and they consistently sought His will throughout their lives.

Jack was known as a hard worker who loved God, his family, and serving others. After completing pharmacy training in the Army, he joined his father-in-law's grocery business and eventually purchased it, operating Jack's Super Valu from 1960 until 1985. He believed that the Lord guided him in both his business and his relationships with people, and he sought to honor God through his work and service.

Gloria was an avid reader, a gifted pianist, and a devoted student of God's Word. She graduated as salutatorian of her high school class and maintained a lifelong love of learning. Her favorite book was the Bible, and her favorite verse was Philippians 1:6:

4 “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:4-6, NIV).

Gloria loved teaching Scripture and led a small group Bible study for women in her home. She also shared her musical gifts by playing piano for nursing home residents over many years.

Together, Jack and Gloria built a Christ-centered family and were blessed with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family members remember their deep love for one another, their commitment to their faith, and their desire to encourage others in their walk with the Lord. Those who knew them witnessed lives marked by kindness, generosity, humility, and a genuine concern for people.

The Weghorns created this scholarship because they believed Christian education prepares students not only for careers, but also for lives of faithful service. Their scholarship reflects their conviction that financial circumstances should not prevent students from receiving an education that strengthens both their minds and their faith.

Through this scholarship, Jack and Gloria's legacy continues to impact students for generations to come. Their lives serve as an example of what can happen when faith is placed at the center of family, work, service, and generosity. It is their hope that scholarship recipients will grow in their relationship with Christ, develop the gifts God has given them, and use those gifts to serve others and bring glory to Him.