Having forged a successful career as a member of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Cowley College alumni Glen Virden and his wife, Lisa, recently created a $10,000 Endowed Scholarship to be awarded annually to a Criminal Justice major displaying a financial need.

Glen graduated from Cowley College’s Criminal Justice Program in 1996 and has been employed with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation since 2001. He is currently a Special Agent in Charge. Lisa graduated from Cowley College in 2001, while the couple’s son, Kody and his wife, Lori (Legleiter), each graduated from Cowley.

Glen went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Southwestern College in Winfield.

Glen and Lisa were on Cowley’s main campus in Arkansas City on Tuesday to make the announcement of the Endowed Scholarship.

“This is where it all began for me,” Glen said. “I had no idea it would take me to where I am now. I have had an opportunity to do a lot of great things.”

Cowley College vice president of institutional advancement Dr. Kori Gregg said the Foundation is extremely grateful to Glen and Lisa for this generous gift to Criminal Justice students.

“While Glen has had a remarkable and successful career at the KBI, he has never forgotten that Cowley is the place that gave him his beginning,” Dr. Gregg said. “Now paying it forward, the Virden’s are ensuring that countless students will have the same opportunities”

A pair of Cowley College Criminal Justice students were surprised with $250 scholarships during the reception. The students are Tyler Hawkins and Breanna Heilig.

Prior to the reception, Glen had an opportunity to speak to one of Frank Owens’ Criminal Justice classes at Cowley.

“Speaking with Glen about the possibility of the scholarship, we both got really energized about what this could be for a need based student,” Owens said. “Good beginnings lead to great careers.”

Glen told the students that law enforcement is not a career, it is a life. You will live it every moment of your life.

“It was an easy decision to create this scholarship,” Glen said. “We have been blessed in our life and we wanted to benefit what we think is a top-notch program. The majority of everything I have done is due to the support of my wife. I may have the position of Special Agent in Charge with the KBI, but my wife is a big reason why. That is why both of our names are on this scholarship.”

For more information on this scholarship please contact 620-441-5294.