New Scholarship Endowment Established at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Memory of Ruby Howard Gumm

Bowling Green, KY — Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) is proud to announce the establishment of the Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship, a new scholarship endowment created to honor the legacy of Ruby Howard Gumm. This endowment has been generously established by Tommy Gumm, founder of Alliance Corporation, and his wife Tish, along with son, Matt Gumm and daughter Lisa Gumm Gray, in memory of their beloved mother and grandmother.

Ruby Howard Gumm was one of seven children and a twin. She married Joe Gumm, and together they had one son, Tommy. Tragically, Ruby became a single parent when Joe passed away at the young age of 40 and Tommy was just seven. Despite the challenges, Ruby remained a dedicated mother, working as a bookkeeper at a small residential/commercial construction company where her son, Tommy, often spent his summers working. It was during these times that Tommy first developed an interest in the construction industry. As a grandmother, Ruby was deeply involved in the lives of Tommy’s children, often babysitting and fostering close relationships with them.  Ruby passed in 2004 at the age 87.

The Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor her legacy of perseverance, dedication, and love for her family. The scholarship is open to both first-time and current SKYCTC students, regardless of whether they are enrolled full-time or part-time.

Scholarship Details:

Single mothers will be given first preference for this scholarship, reflecting Ruby's own experience and dedication as a single parent and in recognition of the unique challenges they often face in balancing family responsibilities and educational goals.
Priority consideration will be given to students from Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties, reflecting the Gumm family's deep ties to these communities.
Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, from either high school or college, and be pursuing an associate degree.
Financial Need: Financial need will also be a determining factor in the selection process ensuring that the scholarship benefits those who may otherwise struggle to afford a college education.
Tommy Gumm shared his thoughts on the scholarship, saying, "My mother was an incredible woman who faced many challenges with grace and determination. We hope this scholarship will ease the burden for other single mothers and students striving for a better future, just as she did."

SKYCTC Foundation Executive Director, Heather Rogers, expressed deep appreciation for the Gumm family's generosity. "The Ruby Howard Gumm Memorial Scholarship is a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman. It will make a significant difference in the lives of our students, helping them to overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational goals."

The online scholarship application will open November 15 for the 2025/26 academic year.  For more information on how to apply or to learn more about the scholarship criteria, students are encouraged to visit the SKYCTC website at https://bit.ly/SKYCTCscholarship

About Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC)

Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) is a public, two-year institution that provides accessible and affordable education to students in the region. SKYCTC offers a variety of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in numerous fields, with a focus on student success and workforce development.