Peru, Nebraska - During Peru State College's May commencement, Pam and Fred Robertson received the
2020 Distinguished Service Award.
The Distinguished Service Award was established by the Nebraska State College System
Board of Trustees. It authorizes each college to nominate a graduate or someone who
has made significant contribution to the College or to an alumnus who has achieved
distinction and recognition in his or her field. Recipients are nominated by the college
president and approved by the NSCS Board of Trustees.
Pam and Fred Robertson met Norma Jeanne Fensler in the late 1980s when Pam assisted Jeanne as her realtor. Jeanne was a recent widow and through the process, Pam became a friend and confidant. Pam also played a pivotal role in Jeanne’s later years, helping daily challenges as Jeanne aged and struggled with Alzheimer’s disease.
Several years before the onset of Alzheimer’s, Jeanne asked that the proceeds of her estate be directed to a cause Pam felt was worthy. The Robertsons were both familiar with Peru State College – Fred as an alumni and Pam as a former co-director of the Peru State College Foundation Board. Pam directed the proceeds of Jeanne’s estate to create the Norma Jeanne Fensler Memorial Scholarship at Peru State College.
Pam’s intent for the Norma Jeanne Fensler Memorial Scholarship is to allow students
who would not otherwise be able to attend college the opportunity to attend Peru State
and seek a degree. Pam also intends this scholarship to memorialize the kindness and
generosity of her dear friend Jeanne.
The Norma Jeanne Fensler Memorial Scholarship will provide more than $80,000 in scholarships
each year.
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