Paul & Carol Manka

Carol Manka graduated from the Western College for Women, Oxford, Ohio in 1964 with a B.A. in English. Paul Manka graduated from Canisius College, Buffalo New York in 1968 with a B.S. in Sociology. They met at Michigan State University in 1968 while pursuing graduate studies. Paul majored in Sociology; Carol majored in English Literature. Paul and Carol spent their working careers at the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington, D.C providing important statistical economic and demographic data to the public until their retirement in 2005.

Prior to her college years, Carol and her parents moved to the Philippines in 1950. She lived there with them and taught in the American School in the Philippines until returning to the United States to pursue her education.

Paul was the first in his blue-collar family to attend college. He was grateful to have this opportunity because of the New York State Regents scholarship program.

Recognizing that such state-sponsored scholarship programs are not always available, Paul and Carol decided to “pay it forward” by providing similar opportunities to current students at Chemeketa. They established this scholarship in support of students who are the first in their family to attend college.

Paul and Carol are passionate supporters of the Oregon Humane Society-Salem Campus (formerly Willamette Humane Society) and the Marion Polk Food Share, showing their dedication and appreciation for both people and animals.

Upon Carol’s passing in 2021, Paul has continued supporting this scholarship fund annually in honor of their love of education.