Minneapolis-based company supports students with new scholarship
Duke Cannon Supply Co., a premium men’s grooming products company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, made a donation to the Inver Hills Foundation to endow a new scholarship at Inver Hills Community College. The Duke Cannon Supply Co. Endowed Scholarship supports students in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Nursing programs at the college.
“Award criteria for the new scholarship include consideration for student life circumstances and career goals,” said Elsbeth Howe, foundation development director. “Eligible students must be enrolled for at least six credit hours.”
Elsbeth added that special consideration is given to:
Underrepresented students, including:
First-generation college students
Low-income students
Students with disabilities
Veterans
Dependents of veterans
Nontraditional students
Single parents
“We are so grateful for this new partnership with Duke Cannon Supply Co.,” said Kim Shaff, interim executive director of the Inver Hills and Dakota County Technical College foundations. “They saw a need in our community and chose to invest in Inver Hills students to help fill it. This scholarship will help students reduce their tuition and get one step closer to their goal. The Duke Cannon endowment recognizes the value of community college and the students we serve, and demonstrates their significant commitment to giving back.”
Duke Cannon connection…
Gerry Thomas, Duke Cannon director and vice president/controller, joined the Inver Hills Foundation Board of Directors in August 2020. “Duke Cannon has historically given back to veterans causes since launching as a brand in 2011,” Gerry said. “More recently, the company has expanded its philanthropic programs to include not only veterans causes, but also causes supporting our front-line workers.”
More about Gerry Thomas…
Gerry Thomas
Gerry Thomas has 30+ years of experience in finance and accounting in diverse industries, including consumer products, distribution, franchising, education, software, banking, insurance and healthcare.
Gerry has lived in Inver Grove Heights for more than 20 years. His wife and children have taken classes at Inver Hills. He views the college as a terrific community asset that is underutilized.
Gerry and his wife have three children and one grandchild. One daughter teaches 7th grade English in the Prior Lake School District. The other two children are college students. Gerry is also active in supporting nonprofit health services in Guatemala.
Gerry has a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting from St. Cloud State University. He is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Duke Cannon Supply Co. provides superior-quality grooming goods designed to better the day of hard-working men. Products include soaps and deodorants, shave gels and balms, beard goods, colognes, and other essentials to get a man clean, feeling good, and smelling great.
From Target to Tractor Supply, and Carhartt to ULTA.com, Duke Cannon goods are available in more than 30,000 retail locations where men (or the women who buy for them) shop.
The company also donates a portion of proceeds to causes benefitting veterans and front-line workers.
The Inver Hills Foundation promotes Inver Hills Community College by building partnerships with area high schools, businesses, community organizations and government agencies. We build capacity by securing financial and other resources that further the mission of the college. We assist students, faculty and staff seeking educational excellence.
Mission
The Inver Hills Community College Foundation cultivates resources to help students start their journey, stay the course, and succeed in life.
