May 31, 2024, CRESTON, Iowa—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) auto collision repair/refinish Career Academy student Gavin Neely of Bedford, and Jarryn Stephens of Afton, have been named as 2024 SWCC Gordon Bills Auto Body Scholarship recipients through the SWCC Education Foundation.
Neely, a May 2024 Bedford High School graduate, will be a full-time student in SWCC’s auto collision repair/refinish program starting fall 2024 semester. His ultimate goal is to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in auto collision repair/refinish.
Stephens, a May 2021 graduate of East Union High School, completed his Associate of Applied Science degree in automotive repair technology in June 2023. He earned his diploma in June 2022 and a certificate in automotive repair in May 2022. In addition, he plans to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in auto collision repair/refinish in 2025.
The scholarships, both in the amount of $1,000, are to be used during the 2024-25 academic year at SWCC.
The Gordon Bills Auto Body Scholarship was established through SWCC’s Education Foundation to honor Bill’s legacy after he passed away on March 15, 2022. Gordon “G.B.” Bills moved to Creston in 1966 to start the auto body program at Southwestern Community College. Bills took great pride in the program and was truly a lifetime supporter of Southwestern.
Kevin Bills, Gordon’s son, said the family is extremely appreciative of the gifts received from family and friends, which in-turn enabled the family to be able to create this scholarship fund. Bills works at the college as a collision repair lab assistant.
Pictured above: At left - Gavin Neely accepting the Gordon Bills Auto Body Scholarship at the Bedford High School awards ceremony. At right - Jarryn Stephens and Kevin Bills, Education Foundation donor.