Wiggan-Kenniebrew Funds

Carthage College has two funds to support multicultural students, named in honor of the first male and female students of African-American descent to graduate from Carthage, Lorraine A. Wiggan ’46 and Alonzo H. Kenniebrew ’54.

The Wiggan-Kenniebrew Endowed Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for multicultural students, with a preference for those who identify as Black, African American, Multiracial, or who demonstrate a commitment to the African American community through membership in a student group that builds community and awareness around African American identity.

The Wiggan-Kenniebrew Experiential Learning Fund provides support for multicultural students to participate in co-curricular experiential learning opportunities not funded through tuition. The fund provides grants for such activities as: travel abroad (semester-long or J-Term); workshops and conferences; internships; Summer Undergraduate Research Experience grants at Carthage; alternative spring break trips to retrace the freedom fighters’ steps in the south; insight visits to companies that have diversity hiring initiatives, and more.

Both funds were established by the new Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network, which was formed in March 2018. This group of alumni is dedicated to providing support for current Carthage students of color, especially those of African American descent and those who support the African American community.

Support the Wiggan-Kenniebrew Funds

Support either of these funds by visiting our online giving form and selecting the fund you wish to support.

How to Apply

Students may apply now for the fall semester round of grants from the Wiggan-Kenniebrew Experiential Learning Fund. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Equity and Inclusion Committee and managed through Carthage’s Office of Student Financial Services. Watch this website for updates on the deadline for the next round of funding. Application requirements include:

• A brief statement explaining how you meet the eligibility requirements.
• A faculty or staff recommendation.
• Details regarding the experience for which you seek funding.
• An essay explaining how this experience will further your academic or career aspirations.

apply for a Wiggan-Kenniebrew Experiential Learning Grant

About the Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network

The Wiggan-Kenniebrew funds were established in March 2018 by the Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network, a group of committed Carthage alumni who have joined with Carthage faculty and staff to increase enrollment of students of color and to secure the resources necessary to provide these students with the support they need to persevere to graduation and fulfill their post-graduation goals.

The Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network became an official affinity group of the Carthage Alumni Association in 2018.

The first Wiggan-Kenniebrew Black Alumni Network Reunion took place on Oct. 11-13, 2019.