LEGACY STORY

Dr. Philip Halenbeck

Foundation:

Central Minnesota Community Foundation

Fund:

Philip L. Halenbeck Scholarship Fund

Fund Established:

October 23, 1989

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Philip was a well-known philanthropist in Central Minnesota. Throughout his life, he recognized the importance of helping the community, especially in the area of education.

Philip championed his education-focused philanthropy by forming two trusts. He founded the first one in 1957 and the second in 1981, with both transferring to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation in 1989. The purpose of these funds was to give aid to students with financial need and good academic records.

He firmly believed that the deserving students were not always the ones at the top. He developed these funds to help those students who are dedicated and want to help others. These scholarships have been arranged through the College of Saint Benedict, Saint John’s University, the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State University.

Philip lived quietly and without much fanfare, but he always tried to help those who deserved it. In regards to the students, Dr. Halenbeck once said, “Brightest doesn’t always mean smartest. Sometimes brightest means a person of ability who cares about humanity—and you can see it glow.”

That glow is the reason that Dr. Halenbeck developed these funds and why they will continue to provide opportunities for students of the future.