Our Foundation

Rooted in Esko. Focused on what comes next.

The Esko Educational Foundation connects generations of alumni, families, and neighbors to expand opportunity for Lincoln High School graduates through community-funded scholarships.

Our story

Since 1993, Esko has looked after its graduates.

Work to form EEF began in the fall of 1993. The Foundation incorporated in Minnesota in February 1994 and awarded its first two scholarships that May.

EEF’s connection to Esko’s “Tradition of Excellence” begins with a shared commitment to students and community. Learn more about the district at Esko Public Schools.

Milestones

The Foundation’s early years.

These milestones come from an EEF history compiled in January 2003 by Don and Winnie Gustafson.

  1. 1993

    Community roots

    EEF began in the fall of 1993 with help from the Esko Community Education Advisory Council.

  2. 1994

    Incorporation and first awards

    The Foundation incorporated in Minnesota on February 25. In May, EEF awarded its first two $250 renewable scholarships to Scott Olesen and Angela Carlson.

  3. 1996

    Logsdon scholarships begin

    Brooke Davidson, Sarah Nynas, and Kelli Zimny received the first three $2,000 Ruth Logsdon renewable scholarships.

  4. 1997

    A chapter and a race

    The board approved an affiliation with Dollars for Scholars in January. The first Kristin Burkholder Memorial 5K Walk/Run followed in August.

  5. 1999

    Tax-exempt status confirmed

    The IRS confirmed EEF as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization after its advance ruling period.

  6. 2002

    More community scholarships

    EEF records document first awards from the Jarvis Family Memorial, Kristin Burkholder Memorial, and LaMarche Creek Foundation scholarship funds, along with the creation of the William D. Vinje Memorial Scholarship.

A tradition of excellence

Esko Public Schools — the community whose graduates the Foundation carries forward.

Community stewardship

Board roster

Every board member is an unpaid volunteer. Spot an error? Email us and we’ll fix it.

  • Director

    Drew Burkholder

  • Director

    Matt McCullough

  • Director

    Brenda Mattson

  • Director

    Sue Northey

  • Director

    Jan Sayovitz

  • Director

    Steve Krueger

  • Director

    Leslie Zigich

  • Director

    Jolene Beisang

  • Director

    Molly Skifstad

  • School Board Liaison

    Maggie Sunnarborg

  • Race Director

    Randi Nyholm