Skip to main content

Arthur A. Durand Scholarship

Colonel Art Durand
1944 - 2012

Art Durand

The Arthur A. Durand Memorial scholarship was established in 2012 by Phyllis Durand and Dr. Amy Forss in memory of Durand. This scholarship is to assist students in their academic goals at Metropolitan Community College. The scholarship may be used for tuition.

Colonel Durand received his bachelor’s degree in History from Wisconsin State University in 1966, a master’s degree in History and Constitutional Law, and a doctorate in History and Political Theory from Louisiana State University in 1968 and 1976, respectively. He received his commission as a distinguished graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1966. Entering active duty in 1967, he served in the United States Air Force for over 28 years as an Intelligence Officer and as a History instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He retired in 1995 having obtained the rank of Colonel. Colonel Durand’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. Upon his retirement from the Air Force, he turned his passion for nature, design, teaching and serving others into two new careers—owner and operator of The Village Nursery, a Garden Center in Plattsmouth, NE and as a professor of social sciences here at Metropolitan Community College. He strived for excellence in everything he did, leaving a special touch on the places and hearts of those entrusted to him. In 1988, Colonel Durand published a major historical study titled, "Stalag Luft III: The Secret Story," which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and an alternate selection of the History Book Club. His book is still considered the definitive work concerning life in Stalag Luft III, the camp that served as the focal point of the movie "The Great Escape".

Scholarship Criteria:

  • Financial need is required
  • Liberal Arts transfer student
  • Completed at least 9 credit hours at the 1000 level at MCC
  • Must have a 3.0 cumulative high school or college GPA at the time of the application
  • Completed at least one history class at MCC

Scholarships are usually offered during the spring and fall quarters. Scholarship availability varies depending on donor giving.