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Dec. 16, 2008
Morningside College has received more than $3.2 million from the estates of two long-time supporters.
Gifts to Morningside from the estates of Leon and Helen Koebrick of Charles City, Iowa, total $3.2 million, making it one of the largest estate gifts in the college’s history. Approximately $1.3 million was directed to unrestricted endowment. Another $1.9 million was directed to the Leon and Helen Koebrick Endowed Scholarship for Nursing.
“The Koebricks have truly made an extraordinary gift that will in perpetuity help us make the Morningside experience more affordable for students across the Midwest,” said President John Reynders. “Their endorsement of our educational mission is both gratifying and humbling.”
The couple farmed in the Charles City area and operated a turkey farm for many years. Helen was also a teacher who was known for her passion for education.
The Koebricks began their relationship with Morningside College in the 1980s after meeting Miles Tommeraasen, who served as Morningside’s president from 1978 to 1993. Neither Leon nor Helen attended Morningside.
Helen established the nursing scholarship at Morningside in 1992 in honor of nurses who provided Leon care when he became ill. Over the ensuing years, she contributed a total of more than $600,000 to the nursing scholarship at Morningside.
Leon died in September 1986. In addition to Morningside, his estate made provisions for Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa; Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and the Charles City YMCA and Salvation Army. Helen died in 2007 at the age of 92. In addition to Morningside, her estate benefited Wartburg and the Mayo Foundation.
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