The DeKalb County Community Foundation is happy to announce David DeLille as the recipient of the 2019 Harold P. Wells Scholarship. David is a current firefighter for the City of DeKalb and plans on using the funds to complete his associate degree in fire science through Rock Valley College.

According to David, “I am not your typical college student as I am 45 years old, married, and have three kids – the oldest of which I just registered for college this week. I am trying to be an example to my children of the importance of education as I am sure Dr. Wells would have agreed.”

Applications for the Harold P. Wells Scholarship are accepted in the spring each year. Eligible applicants are employees and family members of the employees of the DeKalb Fire Department and graduates of the Kishwaukee Education Consortium’s Fire Science Program.

Pictured: Harold P. Wells Scholarship recipient David DeLille (center), poses for a check presentation with donor Drew Wells, and Community Foundation Grants Director Tiffany McQueen Lewis.

About the Harold P. Wells Scholarship Fund:

Harold P. Wells passed away on May 11, 1996 at the age of 74. Dr. Wells graduated from high school in Danbury, Connecticut. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Springfield College, MA., and a Masters and Ph.D. in Physical Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana. He taught in many places including Bangkok, Thailand, the University of Illinois, Yale University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and Northern Illinois University.

Dr. Wells was interested in people who wished to further their education. His desire for this fund was to help DeKalb Fire Department members and their families achieve their education goals. He chose the DeKalb Fire Department because his youngest son, Drew, was a member of the department at the time of his death. Dr. Wells lived in DeKalb for more than one-third of his life. His purpose in establishing this scholarship was to provide a way to give back by helping those who serve their community in the fire services division.

Scholarship funds are an excellent way to support and promote further education in our community. For questions on scholarship funds or to discuss setting up a fund that meets your charitable interests, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.