For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: September 3, 2025
Holum’s memory lives on through scholarship
Fennimore -Gunnar Holum’s memory lives on, six years after his untimely death. A scholarship in his memory was created to help benefit a Dodgeville High School graduate. He graduated from high school in Dodgeville in May 2019, and from the welding program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in December 2019.
The Gunnar Thomas Gatlin-Holum Memorial Scholarship was established by his family following his tragic death in December 2019, just one day after graduating from Southwest Tech’s welding program. He was 18 at the time.
Now in its sixth year, the scholarship has already supported seven recipients, providing financial relief and encouragement to students with similar journeys to Holum’s. It helps open doors for students pursuing their education at Southwest Tech.
Unlike many awards that focus on academic achievement or four-year college paths, this scholarship is designed for students who may not have high GPAs, but demonstrate determination, resilience, and a commitment to building a future through technical education. “I wanted kids to understand that you don’t have to be a straight-A student to earn support,” said Gunnar’s mother, Jane Gatlin. “‘C’ or above, a willingness to work hard, and choosing Southwest Tech—that’s enough. Gunnar struggled in school, but he proved to himself that he could graduate, find a path, and take pride in his work. That’s what we want for others.”
Holum found his place at Southwest Tech. Though shy and self-conscious at first, he grew in confidence with the encouragement of instructors and classmates. The welding trade, deeply rooted in his family, gave him both a skillset and a sense of belonging. His story now inspires others who may face similar challenges.
The purpose of the scholarship goes beyond financial aid—it’s about keeping Holum’s spirit alive and offering students hope. “Even a small amount of help can make a big difference,” said Gatlin. “Sometimes it means gas in the car, a bill paid, or just one less worry so they can focus on finishing school. If this scholarship eases that burden, then it honors Gunnar’s life.”
Recipients of the scholarship have gone on to pursue careers in welding, law enforcement, and other technical fields. Each represents the legacy of a young man who, though his life was cut short, continues to impact the community through opportunity and encouragement for others.
The scholarship is funded through memorial gifts given at the time of Holum’s passing, ongoing fundraising efforts, and personal contributions from his family. Community members who wish to support the scholarship may do so through a memorial account at Farmers Savings Bank in Dodgeville. Every donation helps ensure that future students at Southwest Tech have the chance to follow their own paths in the trades, just as Holum did.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |