The Leon and Naureen Heiman Memorial Scholarship was created by the Heimans’ six children in honor of their strong encouragement to pursue higher education. Five of the six children graduated from Mason City Junior College (NIACC’s predecessor) and all successfully pursued their own interests after completing at least two years of advanced education.
Although Leon and Naureen did not originate from Buffalo Center, they made the community their home. Leon farmed and operated an implement dealership. Naureen was a nurse at the Buffalo Center Hospital and the Buffalo Center Nursing Home. Both Leon and Naureen were active in civic events in Buffalo Center. Leon served as a volunteer fireman and Naureen was an American Red Cross volunteer.
Because Naureen was a nurse, the Leon and Naureen Heiman Memorial Scholarship is designated for a deserving student in the nursing program.
“My siblings and I really enjoyed the town of Mason City while we attended Mason City Junior College,” said Joyce Heiman, eldest daughter of Leon and Naureen. “We have fond memories of the College and instructors. We gained life-long friends from Mason City Junior College.”
The Heiman children, Joyce, Judy, Denny, Debbie, Jim and Tom, plan to keep their parents’ memory and their encouragement of higher education alive through the establishment of this scholarship.