Rogan Weir is still getting used to life on K-State’s campus. “It’s a lot different than home,” the 2024 Crest graduate said. “There are a lot of people. It’s almost overwhelming. But I think it’s a good thing.”
Weir spent last year at Allen Community College and is now a sophomore in Manhattan with plans to major in Agricultural Technology Management. He’s taking 15 hours this semester, a full load. So he’s busy. One thing he doesn’t have to worry about: tuition.
Weir has received a scholarship from the Barbara and Herschel Perry Charitable Trust covering his tuition expenses. He describes the scholarship as an amazing opportunity. “It’s just a massive weight off my shoulders,” Weir said. “This scholarship has allowed me to focus on homework, instead of going out and working to pay for college. It’s even made it possible for me to study here without taking out any loans.”
A degree in Agricultural Technology Management offers Weir a variety of career paths. With options to focus on precision agriculture, production agriculture, water management and more, Weir feels like he’s building a successful foundation for life after college.
“I’m excited to learn more and explore my options,” Weir said. He plans to graduate in May 2028, if not earlier.
BAILEE HERMRECK, a Licensed Practical Nurse at Allen County Regional Hospital, is another recipient of the Perry trust. Hermreck has worked with Saint Luke’s Health System for seven years, the last five at the hospital in Iola.
Hermreck graduated from Anderson County High School in 2016. She earned her LPN certificate from Flint Hills Technical College.
A mother of three, Hermreck decided this summer it was time for her to become a licensed nurse. “It’s a step up the ladder,” she explained. “Becoming an LN would allow me to do a little more, work in the infusion clinic, even switch to a different department. I could eventually move into management positions as well.”
The Perry trust covered the cost of some prerequisite classes she took over the summer at Allen Community College.
She’s applied for the nursing program at Hutchinson Community College. If accepted, she’s received confirmation the trust will pay the majority of her tuition.
“It’s been great. It’s been very easy,” Hermreck said of working with trustees. “I filled out an application, sent it in an email, and had an interview where I explained how this degree would help me and my family.”
HERSCHEL and Barbara Perry owned and operated Perry’s Restaurant on the west side of Iola’s square for many years. They also owned and operated Perry’s Refrigeration in Iola.
Herschel died in 2019 at the age of 86; Barbara died in 2021 at the age of 88. They left a sizable trust after their deaths, naming several people and organizations as beneficiaries.
“They were very private and frugal people,” said Ken Rowe, a trustee. “They never spent any of their money and just wished for it to be used for charitable things.”
THE NUMBERS show the couple’s wishes as being fulfilled. Rowe said that since the first of the year, the trust has distributed over $426,000 in scholarships to more than 36 students.
“We want as many people as possible to know about this opportunity,” he said. “The plan is for the trust to last 25 years – that was a decision Barbara and Herschel made. We’re trying to give it all away to help as many students as possible.”
