Lucille Idelia Mix
Lucille Idelia Mix was born in Omaha, Neb., and lived most of her life here. She was raised by parents who constantly stressed the importance of getting an education, which was rare in the 1940s. She married young, and was able to travel as a military wife. During her travels, she took note of the cultures around her, and realized that her parents had been right; education is key in all walks of life, but she also found that it is essential for a woman. This made her a firm proponent for women’s education.
In the course of life, Lucille became a single parent. As one, she understood the barriers to education while trying to maintain house and home, as well as the obstacles a single mother can face while trying to improve the lives of herself and her children. She obtained work in the health field, and found that it suited her. She received on the job training as an LPN, but her health caused her to stop work for a period. When she returned to work, she was not able to update her LPN, and instead certified as a CNA, and worked as an in-home care giver. When her health no longer allowed her to work a full time position, she became a Senior Volunteer.
Lucille believed that “ignorance can be cured with a book,” and loaned books from her personal library on the condition that you didn’t take a book that you didn’t intend to read. She also believed in helping those who were trying to help themselves and extended support whenever she could. She tutored anyone who requested it; and if she didn’t know a fact, she would surely find out for you. Friends and family dubbed her “The Walking Encyclopedia.”
She lived her beliefs and never stopped learning; and with guidance and insistence, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all share her love of books and knowledge. Once a child had asked her several times to read something to them, she would teach that child to read for themselves. Nearly all of Lucille’s children entered kindergarten already knowing how to read. She felt that if you were interested enough to want to know, you should have the tools to seek out an answer.
A (now) fond memory is of summer vacation from school and being woken up on weekday mornings to watch “Jeopardy”; because “just 'cause school is out doesn’t mean you stop learning.” And you had to participate!
The Lucille I. Mix Scholarship was established to assist students enrolling in the Single Parent/TRIO program at Metropolitan Community College.
Scholarship may be used for tuition, fees and books.
Scholarship Criteria:
- Financial need may be considered, but is not required
- Pursuing a certificate or associate degree in any program of study
- Must be in the TRiO Program
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher
- Full or part-time student
Scholarships are usually offered during the spring and fall quarters. Scholarship availability varies depending on donor giving.