Ray and Shirley Gumtau Endowment

Ray and Shirley were always willing to lend a helping hand and to share their skills and knowledge.

Ray started as a foreman in DMACC’s Mechanical/Electrical Department in 1981 and was later named the department supervisor. Shirley employed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship where she worked and mentored young adults through the Student-to-Work program.

When it came to assisting others, Ray and Shirley selflessly answered the call many times. They believed strongly in helping to mentor others and were wonderful caregivers for young and old alike. Not only were they the favorite babysitters of many nieces and nephews but they cared for their parents and other elderly people who needed assistance but were not related.

The Gumtau Endowment was created through a combined estate gift from Raymond “Ray” Gumtau, and Ray’s wife, Shirley. Through their endowment, scholarships are provided to students in the following DMACC programs: Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology, Administrative Assistant, Aided Design Tech AAS Scholarship, and Nursing and a scholarship to support a student with a physical or mental disability.