Reverend Shinpachi Kanow (Memorial Scholarship)
Reverend Shinpachi Kanow was the minister at Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Salinas from 1951 until the early 1970’s. The road to complete his education was not easy or direct, being interrupted not just once but several times. The first time he was in university studies in Kobe, Japan, when the growing threat of World War II compelled him to leave Japan. Later while studying at Occidental College in California, he left school after the attack on Pearl Harbor, fearing for his personal safety. He completed his undergraduate degree at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later completed his theological studies at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California. The ultimate goal of becoming a minister helped give him the determination to complete his studies despite numerous setbacks.
Rev. Kanow understood the importance and value of community colleges to the local community, especially for students who might not be able to afford a four-year college or university or for those looking for a career/trade that does not require a four-year degree. Both of his children attended Hartnell College before transferring to a state college and university. Rev. Kanow also loved attending Hartnell basketball and football games, always enjoying the spirit and competition of college sports.
This scholarship was established in his memory to make a college education possible for more students in our area.
Impact
The Reverend S. Kanow Memorial Scholarship was established to benefit the continuing higher education of select graduates of Salinas Valley public high schools attending Hartnell Community College. The intent of this scholarship is to help reduce some of the financial challenges that often create barriers to academic success. Challenges might include food insecurity, lack of technology equipment, work hours, etc. With less financial stress, the student can focus on larger educational goals, can be open to considering broader possibilities, and learn to value a well-rounded education that includes both classroom and relevant extra-curricular activities.