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Northland names Debra and Robert Cervenka 2011 Philanthropists of the Year

December 20, 2011

Northland College is recognizing a Phillips, Wis., couple for their generous support of students, most recently through the creation of a new four-year scholarship. Debra and Robert Cervenka have been named the 2011 Philanthropists of the Year for providing students with the financial resources to pursue their dreams while attending Northland College. Northland acknowledges individuals who demonstrate exceptional support of the college and its educational mission each year through the award.

The Cervenkas established the Robert and Debra Cervenka Scholarship at Northland College in 2011. The scholarship finances the full cost of tuition for students who receive the award while they're attending Northland. Sara Woodie, Northland College freshman and Park Falls native, is the 2011 recipient of the Robert and Debra Cervenka Scholarship. Woodie says she considered taking 18-credit semesters to graduate in less than four years to save money. She says the Cervenka scholarship changed that.

"If it weren't for the scholarship, I'd probably be getting a lot less sleep," says Woodie. "I'm very thankful that they chose me and hope they continue to find students worthy of scholarships and help them achieve their ultimate college experience rather than settle for what they can afford."

Woodie graduated as salutatorian of the 2011 class at Chequamegon School District in Park Falls. She is a biology major considering a minor in chemistry or natural resources. The scholarship provides financial assistance to high-achieving, motivated students from northern Wisconsin, allowing them to pursue their academic dreams.

"Our scholarship to a Northland student does two things," says Debbie Cervenka. "First, it enables a young person from northern Wisconsin to have the benefit of receiving a liberal arts education from a small college that is connected to our natural environment. And second, we hope that students will develop the passion for giving back as they grow and proceed through life."

Bob Cervenka was born and raised in Phillips, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1964, he started Phillips Plastics Corporation, which became one of the largest private custom injection molding companies in the nation. Debbie Cervenka attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, graduating with a major in journalism and communication. She served the Phillips Plastics Corporation for 34 years in a number of capacities. She currently serves on the Northland College Board of Trustees and the Ecumen Board of Trustees. She also serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Wisconsin Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. The Cervenkas sold Phillips Plastics in December 2010 and are now retired.

Northland is grateful to have such outstanding philanthropists and inspired entrepreneurs as friends to our students, faculty and staff, as well as their service on the college's leadership board. We thank Bob and Debbie for their numerous contributions of time and talent to Northland College and to the communities of northern Wisconsin.