New endowed scholarship established at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College

The Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship has been established at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College by Ruby’s children and grandchildren to celebrate her memory and legacy as a single mother. The scholarship will be given out beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, with preference given to students who are single mothers.

According to an article on Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College’s website, Tommy Gumm, Ruby’s son, explained why he and his family have endowed this scholarship. He is quoted as saying, "My mother was an incredible woman who faced many challenges with grace and determination. We hope this scholarship will ease the burden for other single mothers and students striving for a better future, just as she did."

Ruby Howard Gumm married Joe Gumm and had their son, Tommy. Joe Gumm passed away at age 40, leaving Ruby to be a single mother to their seven-year-old. Despite the many challenges she faced as a single parent, Ruby persevered, working as a bookkeeper for a construction company and parenting Tommy. Tommy grew up to have a love for construction, fostered by the summers he spent working at the construction company with his mom. As Tommy began having children of his own, Ruby had close relationships with them all.

Due to Ruby’s situation as a single mother to a young child, the Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship is primarily intended for students who are single mothers, and preference will be given to them when choosing the scholarship recipients. Additionally, priority will be given to students who come from Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average. Financial need will also be taken into consideration, as the scholarship aims to benefit students who may not otherwise be able to afford their education.

Heather Rogers, who serves as the executive director of the SKYCTC Foundation, said of the new scholarship fund, "The Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman. It will make a significant difference in the lives of our students, helping them to overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational goals."

The deadline to apply for the Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship for the next academic year is November 15.

For more information about Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.