Dr. Gordon Kronquist poses for a photo at the Scholars + Donors Celebration in September with Kent Espinoza, a Physical Therapist Assistant student who was the fall 2023 recipient of the Barbara Kronquist Memorial Scholarship.
In a tribute to his late wife, Barbara, Dr. Gordon Kronquist, a distinguished pediatrician who served the Janesville community for over three decades, has established the Barbara Kronquist Memorial Scholarship at Blackhawk Technical College. The scholarship, aimed at supporting students passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare, honors Barbara's legacy as a dedicated registered nurse and educator.
"Creating the Barbara Kronquist Memorial Scholarship has brought immense joy to me. It's a testament to the love and admiration I hold for my late wife, Barbara, who found great satisfaction in teaching certified nursing assistant courses at Blackhawk Technical College,” Dr. Kronquist said.
The scholarship provides a financial award every semester, with the potential for renewal throughout a student's entire journey toward a healthcare degree, ensuring continuous support for those following in Barbara's footsteps.
Expressing his joy in supporting students pursuing healthcare careers, Dr. Kronquist said, "It's my way of giving back to the profession that brought so much joy and purpose to her life. Seeing the financial impact of this scholarship on the lives of aspiring healthcare professionals is a source of immeasurable happiness for me."
Dr. Kronquist also offered valuable advice to Blackhawk students: "Persist in your educational journey, never lose hope, and always remember that it's never too late to chase your dreams."
Motivated by a desire to honor Barbara's memory, Dr. Kronquist chose to create the scholarship in partnership with the Blackhawk Foundation. He encourages others to consider investing in or creating a scholarship, emphasizing the profound impact such initiatives can have on both individuals and communities.
"When you establish a scholarship, you're not only honoring a loved one's memory or supporting a cause dear to your heart, but you're also contributing to the development of your community's future workforce," he said.
Dr. Kronquist's hope for scholarship recipients extends beyond academic success.
"I want them to feel that my support has made a tangible difference in their life and helped them reach this important milestone," he said.
He envisions a future where scholarship recipients, having achieved success, will pay it forward by helping other students in need, creating a positive ripple effect within the community.
Reflecting on Blackhawk Technical College, Dr. Kronquist praised its unique strength in providing specialized technical training aligned with the region's workforce needs.
"Blackhawk stands out in its dedication to producing highly skilled professionals," he said.
As an active member of the community, Dr. Kronquist's contributions extend beyond medicine. He was a founding member of the Rock River Charter School's Board of Directors and continued to contribute to education post-retirement as an English language tutor for the Janesville Literacy Council.
Click the image below to view more articles in our Winter/Spring 2024 edition of the Blackhawk Magazine.
