Scholarships

The family of Paul H. Sothman offers one scholarship for Grand Island Senior High students who will pursue a degree in the field of Construction or Engineering. 

Paul H. Sothman was born in St Michael, Nebraska. His parents spoke German, but it wasn’t until Paul went to Dodge Elementary School in Grand Island, that he learned to speak English. He was the nicest, kindest, most patient, and most generous man who walked the face of the Earth.

He cared about his employees as if they were family and loved working in his business endeavors. He built many structures in Grand Island, Nebraska and across the state. Paul formed two companies, the Sothman Lumber and Millwork Co. and the Paul H. Sothman Construction Company. The Sothman Lumber and Millwork Co. was the number one millwork company in the state of Nebraska. He built many structures in Grand Island but two of the more notable structures that he built were the Capital Theater and Masonic Temple.

He was a very generous person who loved to spend time with his family. Paul loved to travel and share his love of geology, archeology, and geography with his wife and children. He took his family on many trips during the summer when construction was at its heights. At times, it wasn’t easy when the business was pulling on Paul, but he always made time for family. Paul passed away in 1958 at the age of 69.

Amount and Terms

• $2,000 x 1 year

Number of Scholarships

• 1

Eligibility

• Must be a graduate of Grand Island Senior High
• Must attend an accredited Nebraska college, university, technical school or community college
• Must major or minor in Construction Management, Construction, or Engineering
• Preference will be given to students that demonstrate a passion for construction management
• Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

To Apply

• Complete the online application form at www.gipsfoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships 

Deadline

• See scholarship application deadlines at www.gipsfoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships

Selection Procedure

• Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship selection committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation.

Terms of Payment

• The scholarship will be paid through the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation to appropriate educational institution per scholarship eligibility defined above. Scholarships larger than $500 will be split into equal semester payments.

Claim Scholarship

• The student must provide proof of enrollment (class schedule) and student ID number to the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation for scholarship distribution. Proof of enrollment is needed for each semester covered by scholarship terms. Send proof of enrollment to Kari Price via email to kprice@gips.org, in person at GIPS Administration Building (123 South Webb Road) or via mail to PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802.