Jesse Kloss Memorial Scholarship Fund
By Dr. Kathleen Robinson, NANOE Co-Founder
Some friends and colleagues live a life that is memorable and unforgettable. To me, Jesse was one of them! He was a thoughtful, passionate, intensely curious individual who sought to better the lives of low-resourced communities and show the way we should all live-with kindness, thoughtfulness, empathy, and clarified conviction.
He lived out the principle that we should do to other what we would want done to us! He was a man of faith who showed those around him a sounder, more complete way to manifest their faith in community action. No matter where he lived, he sought to serve his community. He wanted to be a comfort and an encouragement to others. He wanted to challenge people’s thinking. Not to agitate but to encourage a re-examination of what was valued and believed so that actions were intentionally purposeful. That, to me, is a man of courage!
Yes, he was a scholar and a hard-working colleague while we were both at the University of Hawaii and the University of South Carolina. Our work was in and with communities working to realize best practices in meeting needs, building human service systems that truly made an impact, and analyzing current community situations with community and neighborhood leaders to address social and environmental issues. He was a systems thinker. He understood that many issues faced by communities were a result of the current ways in which people interacted and shared resources and opportunities, or the lack of connection and access to resources and opportunities. In South Carolina and Hawaii, various community leaders used his contributions to guide their strategic business, foundation, nonprofit, and government actions and services. He was a private businessman for years and later in life sought to pursue his degrees. He worked his way through his bachelors, master’s and doctorate at a time when most men would be too afraid to give up their current life in order to strike out in a new direction. But that was Jesse! A man with a passionate purpose that drove him to use his talents and do the hard work needed to become truly proficient.
His work life post doctorate was cut short. He went through major surgery which left him dealing with a great deal of continuing health issues. This is indeed unfortunate, but it is a reminder that each day counts. It’s not so much about what we plan to do in the future as it is how we live our life each day!
To carry on the legacy he left us, funds donated in his memory will go to support the growth, development, and impact of nonprofit leaders who desire to make a significant impact related to their mission. Memorial contributions will be given to National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives (NANOE). Gifts may be made online by pressing donate below or by phone at (803) 808-5086 or by mail:
NANOE PO Box 1840 Lexington, SC 29071
Dr. Kathleen Robinson Jesse’s university faculty mentor, friend, and colleague Co-founder of NANOE
