Lifelong learner sparks scholarship fund at Terra State

In 2017, Curtis Jackson graduated with a degree in history from Terra State Community College. He was 80 years old. Jackson was a Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War, from 1955 to 1959. A radioman, Jackson sailed around the world four different times. After returning from the service, Jackson settled down in Sycamore, Ohio. He got married, had three children, and eventually spent time with six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews who thought of him as a grandfather. According to Jackson's daughter, Tammy Siler, everyone affectionately called him "Pap." Siler said that Jackson decided to go back to school once his grandkids started enrolling in college. "He loved learning and enjoyed going to school," Siler said. "His major was history, and we all teased him that he lived history, so he should get great grades while in school." Jackson was known at Terra State for his consistent participation in classes, and his willingness to recant first-hand stories of the history being taught. He also gave chocolates to each of his professors on the last day of class. In October 2020, Jackson died of a heart attack. Siler said the family wasn't able to have a funeral service because of the pandemic. In lieu of a funeral, Siler and her family have worked to set up an Endowed Scholarship at Terra State, which will financially support retirement-age students in their quest for lifelong learning. The Curtis "Curt" D. Jackson Memorial Scholarship Endowment will assist students with a love for learning who would be unable to attend college otherwise. Any donor may make contributions to the fund, and checks should be made payable to the Terra College Foundation with reference to the Curtis D. Jackson Memorial Scholarship Endowment.