Schroeder had never had the opportunity to attend college, but he wanted other young people to have that chance (AI enhance image, source: CBS)
Dale Schroeder spent 67 years working as a carpenter at the same business in Des Moines, Iowa. But over the years, he quietly saved almost $3 million. When Schroeder died in 2005, his savings were used to create a scholarship fund for small-town Iowa students who wanted to attend college but could not afford it. The fund eventually paid for the college education of 33 people.
“He said, ‘I never got the opportunity to go to college. His friend said the carpenter wanted to help students who were like him and might not have had an opportunity to go to college without his gift. Paying for college for all four children was not an option, she said.
He grew up poor, never went to college, never married and had no children. He lived a simple life, owning only two pairs of jeans and an old rusty Chevrolet truck. Before his death, Schroeder went to Nielsen, who was his friend and lawyer, with an idea for his money. Schroeder had never had the opportunity to attend college, but he wanted other young people to have that chance. So, I’d like to help kids go to college,’” Nielsen recalled. Schroeder wanted the money to help small-town Iowa children who had the ability and desire to attend college but lacked the money to do so. Conard grew up in a single-parent household with three older sisters. She wanted to become a therapist but did not see a realistic way to pay for her education.
The scholarship fund eventually helped 33 people attend college without having to pay for their education themselves. Kira Conard was one of the 33 students helped by Schroeder’s savings. For the students who received the money, the scholarship became an opportunity they had not expected. At the time, she had completed high school with the grades needed to attend college, but her family could not afford it.