about the scholarship

The Patty Hammann and Michael Keidel Community Education Scholarship is an endowed fund established in 2026 by Michael Keidel as a Mother's Day tribute to his mother, Patty Hammann, and her enduring creative legacy. Patty's love of the arts was evident in everything she touched — from her beautiful paintings to her remarkable ability to transform a room or garden through color and design. She was an empath with a warm, expansive heart. She was a devoted mother to her cherished dogs — Orson, Wells, Gatsby, Hank, Isley, and Jude — and above all, her son was her proudest accomplishment. She nurtured Michael's artistic sensibility from an early age, enrolling him in Camp Art Academy in the historic Mt. Adams building on St. Gregory, and later in Community Education photography classes at the Eden Park building. She was equally committed to her own growth as an artist, mastering her oil painting and portraiture through Community Education classes at the Jackson Street main campus under notable local artists, such as Carin Hebenstreit. Michael used his creative foundation and has built a career in the arts, working in the music industry alongside several Grammy-nominated artists. 

This scholarship is their ‘forever art project’ together. A living tribute to Patty's vibrancy, creativity, and loving spirit, and a means of ensuring that the programs which sparked so much joy and connection in their lives remain accessible for generations to come.