Tom Shaffer Memorial Scholarship for Custodial Staff

The Tom Shaffer Memorial Scholarship for Custodial Staff is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation for a full-time or part-time employee, or child of an employee, of UCM custodial staff pursuing a degree at UCM. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from Gaila Shaffer of Warrensburg, MO.

The Tom Shaffer Memorial Scholarship for Custodial Staff was established in loving memory of a father, husband and grandfather. He worked for UCM for 22 years as a member of the Electrical Shop. He was not just an employee, but a fan of UCM athletics as well and spent many hours and miles to support the Mules and Jennies. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Warrensburg for many years. He volunteered there with the lighting and sound systems as well as lending his helpful kitchen skills, preparing meals for multiple ministries and families in need in the community.

Tom was also an avid gardener and fisherman. He spent many hours playing in the dirt and sitting in the middle of ponds just to share his gatherings with friends, family and elderly community members. He was also a lover of local stock car races as well as NASCAR and traveled the country to attend races in Alabama, Florida, Michigan, as well as holding season tickets to the Kansas Speedway.

Tom was an amazing father and husband. He always put “his girls” before himself or anyone else. He spent many hours as a Girl Scout Troop Dad, Band Dad, Bible Quiz Dad, as well as many more roles in our lives. He was always there to teach us how to spin doughnuts in his Volkswagen, change our own car lights and oil, pass down the traditional family recipes, and to always be an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Our hope in your acceptance of this gift in memory of him is that you will continue to honor his legacy of giving and friendship in all aspects of your life. We hope that this gift will help you in the advancement of your dreams and goals.