BERNIE & CHAR PAGENKOPF ENDOWMENT

The Bernie and Char Pagenkopf Endowment Scholarship honors a lifetime dedicated to the electrical power distribution profession and the people who make it possible. For 31 years, Bernie proudly worked as an Electrical Power Distribution (EPD) lineman, responding to storms, outages, and emergencies across the country. Whether restoring power after tornadoes, ice storms, or heavy snowfall, he embraced the responsibility of serving others and believed he had found the work he was meant to do. Later, Bernie brought that same passion to the classroom as an instructor in CVTC’s Electrical Power Distribution program, where he found great fulfillment in preparing the next generation of line workers.

Bernie is the first to recognize that his career would not have been possible without the unwavering support of his wife, Char, whose love, sacrifice and steady presence at home allowed him to answer the call whenever duty required. This scholarship honors them both.

Inspired by one of Bernie’s former students, this scholarship recognizes that success is not always measured by grades or recognition. Instead, it celebrates students who demonstrate perseverance, humility, dependability, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to their trade and the communities they will one day serve. It is intended for students who show up, work hard, keep learning, and understand the importance of doing the everyday work that keeps the lights on and communities connected. Preference given to students who demonstrate: a strong work ethic, perseverance in overcoming challenges, dependability, commitment to completing the EPD program.