Iowa City's Gavin starts scholarship for Loras students

Loras College President Jim Collins recently announced that John and Charlotte Gavin of Iowa City made a $500,000 contribution to create a new endowed scholarship fund.

John Gavin is a 1965 graduate of Loras, served on the Loras board of regents from August 1989 to June 1998 and has continued his affiliation with Loras College as a regent emeritus. Charlotte graduated from the Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque and is a registered nurse. The Gavins, along with their six children, 4 of whom also attended Loras, have been active in their parish, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, as well as in the Iowa City community.

The Gavins have supported the Loras College All-Sports Camp and the Loras College Summer Academy by providing scholarships. These programs give students a taste of the many opportunities Loras offers, through both academic and athletic experiences.

Gavin said he made the contribution because of his dedication to Catholic Education, and as a way to give back to his alma mater.

"I owe a lot to Loras; the college was very good to me. I wanted to be able to give a gift that retains students in Iowa, and to return the support that I received from the school as a student," he said.

This scholarship will be made available to students from Iowa. First consideration will be given to students from the Iowa City/Coralville area.