ATLANTIC, IOWA – Iowa Western Community College is proud to announce the establishment of the Gregg “Bud” Cohrs Construction and Trades Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship designed to support students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. The scholarship was made possible through a generous gift from Colleen Cohrs in honor of her late husband, Gregg “Bud” Cohrs, a dedicated tradesman and long-time employee of Henningsen Construction in Atlantic, Iowa.
Colleen Cohrs presented the initial gift to the Iowa Western Community College Foundation on August 7, 2025, surrounded by family.
Gregg Cohrs, affectionately known as “Bud,” spent four decades with Henningsen Construction, working his way from general laborer to foreman and master crane operator. Known for his tireless work ethic, leadership, and fierce loyalty to his crew and family, Bud was passionate about the trades and concerned about the growing shortage of young people entering these critical fields. This scholarship seeks to carry on his legacy by encouraging and supporting the next generation of skilled workers.
“We are incredibly grateful to Colleen for establishing this scholarship in memory of her husband,” said Molly Noon, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Iowa Western. “Her generosity will have a lasting impact—not only by easing the financial burden for students—but by encouraging more young people in southwest Iowa to pursue meaningful careers in construction and the trades. This is a gift that will change lives for years to come.”
The scholarship gives first preference to students from Cass County who are enrolled in Iowa Western’s Construction Management program. However, students from other counties in southwest Iowa are also eligible if they are entering Construction Management or construction-adjacent trades programs such as HVAC, Plumbing, or Electrical.
As an endowed fund, the Gregg “Bud” Cohrs Construction and Trades Scholarship will support students for generations to come. Colleen Cohrs also plans to organize future fundraising efforts to continue growing the fund and expanding its impact.
For more information about the scholarship or to contribute to the fund, please contact the Iowa Western Community College Foundation at (712) 325-3241 or foundation@iwcc.edu .
