Dudek Scholarships

Dudek Scholarships

Established: From the estate of Clelan "Lee" Dudek and his wife Luella

Award Amount: Varies (examples: $3,000 and $2,400 awards in 2020-21)

Eligibility: Pendleton area high school graduates attending:

Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC)

Eastern Oregon University (EOU)

Overview

Lee and Luella Dudek established this scholarship fund through the Pendleton Foundation Trust. Lee was a WWII veteran, NRA champion marksman, private airplane pilot, and 50+ year owner/operator of Lee's Refrigeration Company. The couple had no children but wanted their worldly assets to benefit young people in the Pendleton area.

Scholarship Philosophy

Lee was adamant that young people should learn a skill or trade. He believed there was "much satisfaction in learning how something worked and in how to fix it."

Example Recipients (2020-21 Academic Year)

Total awarded: $13,200 to seven students

BMCC Recipients:

Baum Hunter - $3,000 (AS Degree in Fire Science; 2018 PHS grad; plans wildland fire control career with BIA or US Forest Service)

Jessamy Lamont - $2,400 (pursuing psychology degree; plans childlife specialist in children's hospital; 2019 PHS grad)

Ceisey Castaneda Martinez - BMCC recipient

Alorah Kaplanovic - BMCC recipient

Kyra Ford - BMCC recipient

EOU Recipients:

Madison Parker - $3,000 (senior completing elementary education degree; plans to teach in Pendleton community)

Drew Lunny - $3,000 (2018 PHS grad; pursuing high school history teaching degree; former BMCC ambassador)

Legacy

The Dudek Scholarships represent how foundational support can create lasting impact for youth in the community. The foundation honors the Dudeks' generosity and foresight.