The Karol and David Theophilus Endowed Scholarship was created in 2025 for Nebraska students majoring in Education.
Giving to Wayne State College via the Wayne State Foundation is the perfect way to honor a loved one whose life has been profoundly impacted by Wayne State College.
It was an easy decision for the Theophilus Family when their father, David, a 1964 Wayne State alumnus, passed away unexpectedly.
“Our dad was a lifelong learner who valued his time and education at Wayne State College, as well as his continued relationship with Wayne State,” said the Theophilus family in a statement. “After discussions with Mom after our dad passed away, it was a quick and easy decision to honor both of our parents with a family scholarship named for them. We hope this scholarship will support Wayne State students for many years to come!”
The Theophilus Family worked with the Wayne State Foundation to establish criteria to support the kind of student they are interested in helping. Criteria for their scholarship is that preference shall be given to a student who is a Nebraska resident, who is majoring in Education, and who demonstrates financial need.
After working with the Wayne State Foundation, they established the Karol and David Theophilus Endowed Scholarship.
Theophilus, who majored in Physics, graduated from Wayne State in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in Education. He would go on to become the meteorologist in charge of the State of Nebraska and spend a total of 26 years with the National Weather Service – a career that he truly loved.
Wayne State College is where Theophilus met his wife Karol (Rasmussen). Karol graduated from Wayne State in 1963 with a bachelor of arts degree in Education, and they were married in August 1964.
Theophilus passed away Feb. 16, 2025, in Fremont, Neb.
To learn more about supporting students and special projects at Wayne State College, contact the Wayne State Foundation at 402-375-7510.