Skip to main content

A Tradition of Giving: The M. Lane Jensen Scholarship Story


Nearly every family has beloved traditions, and Leon Jensen’s holiday custom is especially meaningful. Each Christmas, rather than exchanging gifts, Leon and his family members donate to the M. Lane Jensen Scholarship fund at SLCC. Leon created the scholarship fund over 30 years ago when his son, Lane, died in a tragic accident at the age of 29.

For Leon and his family, creating the scholarship was the best way to heal from Lane’s untimely passing. “It’s a way of taking hurt and making some good out of it,” says Lane’s sister, Amber.

In describing Lane, both Amber and Leon recall his vibrant personality. “Nobody loved life more than Lane did,” says Amber. "He was a great dancer and the life of every party, and he loved participating in Utah’s outdoor sports activities.”

The scholarship also pays tribute to Leon’s parents, Moroni and Vivian. Both were educators for many years, and both were Utah State legislators and dedicated much of their lives to public service. Contributing to the scholarship fund each holiday season is the perfect way for the Jensen family to honor Lane and the legacies of Moroni and Vivian. “We are proud to be able to do it,” says Leon.

Over the years, the fund has helped many SLCC students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford college tuition. One scholarship recipient, in a letter she wrote to thank the donors, said “I will never forget the opportunity that you have given me in my education. Thank you very much for giving me the chance to pursue and fight for my dreams.”

If you would like to honor your loved one with a memorial scholarship, please contact SLCC’s Development Office at (801) 957-4247.





Labels

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...
Post a Comment
Read more

SLCC Alumnus and U.S. Diplomat to Speak at 2025 Commencement

Salt Lake Community College’s 2025 Commencement speaker Branigan Knowlton will share his perspectives drawn from a 12-year career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. In serving his country, Knowlton has honed his foreign relations and diplomacy skills in Hong Kong, Mexico, Colombia and Italy. Knowlton is also a proud Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) alumnus (2002).     Knowlton currently serves at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Before reporting to the embassy, he was detailed to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport as part of the Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship program. In Bogotá, Knowlton worked for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and in Hermosillo, Mexico, he worked for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. His first assignment abroad was in Hong Kong, where he worked for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.     "I've actively sought opportunities that push me into the unfamiliar, even when ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Recognizing SLCC's 2025 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Andrew Vogt, PhD Associate Professor, Engineering

The Distinguished Faculty Lecturer is a recognition of quality work by one of Salt Lake Community College’s full-time faculty and a charge to develop that work over an academic year into a public presentation. A committee chosen by the Associate Provost for Learning Advancement selects the faculty lecturer each year. The lecture takes place in the spring. Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Andrew Vogt, PhD Associate Professor, Engineering Dr. Andrew Vogt’s teaching philosophy is guided by two principles, curiosity and efficiency.  “Curiosity leads us to study a topic and allows us to really understand the ins and outs of research, while efficiency is all about sustainability,” he says. Andrew describes curiosity as a pure, open-minded impulse to explore, such as the ease with which children learn new concepts with virtually no instruction. Efficiency adds maturity to that childlike impulse, creating structures and pathways for accomplishment.  Andrew’s work has alwa...
Post a Comment
Read more