Irene Black first came to Keene as a student in 1921. She graduated from Southwestern Junior College in 1923. She went on to work for the Oklahoma Conference as a secretary, but she returned to Southwestern when the president of the college offered her a job as his secretary. She also worked as registrar for the college.

Ms. Black left Keene in 1927 to continue her education at Emmanuel Missionary College (Andrews University) and later at Washington Missionary College (Washington Adventist University). She worked as registrar at Walla Walla College for more than 20 years before returning to Keene in 1965.

Even though her work in various fields spanned four decades, she always said the most important part of her career was her “missionary project.” She generously supported Christian education in a number of ways, but her specialty was in providing room and board for women while they attended college. She began her project when she lived in Washington. During her lifetime, she provided room and board for nearly 60 women.

Ms. Black established this scholarship in December of 1986, and she died on October 31, 1991.

Scholarship Award Requirements

Recipients of this scholarship are selected on the basis of financial need and scholastic achievement. The same student may be eligible for the scholarship for up to four years.

2025 - 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Daniella Rivera, Nursing