Ray Kuntz ’77 truly values the saying “Those who have been given great gifts have an even greater responsibility.” If it weren’t for the grants and scholarships he received during his time at Carroll, Kuntz, being one of 11 kids from a large farm family, would never have had the resources to obtain his economics degree from Carroll.
Kuntz has gone on to a very successful career as CEO of Watkins & Shepard and has not forgotten the assistance he received along the way. He has returned the favor by financially supporting Carroll students so that they, too, can achieve a college education.
A student that was a beneficiary of Kuntz’s generosity was Martin Janout ’96. Janout received his degree in biology from Carroll and is now an accomplished orthopedic surgeon. In gratitude and tribute to Ray Kuntz, Janout has also adopted the “pay it forward” mentality. Janout has established the Ray Kuntz “Pay it Forward” Scholarship.
"My brother and I were so fortunate to have the help of Ray Kuntz. Without his financial support, we may not be where we are today. By helping Katherine get through Carroll College, I hope she, too, will be successful and help future Carroll students," said Janout.
The Kuntz “Pay It Forward” Scholarship is intended to assist high-achieving students with financial need to complete their degrees. Freshman Katherine Bertolino of Roberts, Montana is studying pre-med and is the first Carroll recipient of this scholarship.
"This scholarship was my ticket to Carroll College. It allowed for me to attend a school where my passion for service and science could grow," said Bertolino. "I hope to one day pay forward the generosity that I received to help another student pursue their passion."
Thank you Ray and Martin for helping to make the dream of a Carroll education a reality!
Pictured L to R: Senior Director of Development Dan Minor, Martin Janout '96, Katie Bertolino, Director of Financial Aid Janet Riis