Jean Brockel Estate Gives Largest Donation to Kenai Peninsula College in Its History

The late Clayton Brockel founded the Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) in 1964. He and his late wife, Jean Mirella Bardelli Brockel, M.A. Education ’73—musician, artist, philanthropist, and educator—were lifelong supporters of the college and the community.

“They both loved KPC. When Clayton founded KPC, he put his heart and soul into that place. He really left a legacy,” reflects Gary Turner, KPC director emeritus.

Jean was active in public education and performing arts; she wrote and performed theater and was exceptionally community-minded, notes Turner.

Jean and Clayton Brockell, educators, philanthropists, and community leaders. Clayton was the founding director of KPC. (Photo courtesy of Kenai Peninsula College)

Earlier this year, KPC received a $1.6 million bequest from the Jean Brockel Estate to support the Brockel Family Scholarship Endowment and the John C. Brockel Scholarship Endowment, established in memory of their late son John.

The Brockel Family Scholarship benefits students in the humanities, fine arts, and performing arts, and the John C. Brockel Scholarship is targeted to create opportunities for students pursuing business and industry careers.

Jean Brockel with son John and husband Clayton at Kenai Peninsula College in the 1970s. (Photo courtesy of Kenai Peninsula College)

Both scholarships are designed to help KPC students through immediate impact. Estate executor and KPC adjunct professor Mike Morgan has directed that $600,000 be distributed to each fund “so we can get as much money out the door as soon as possible.”

KPC Director Cheryl Siemers reflected, “The Brockels were engaged community members, committed to the area and offering exceptional educational opportunities locally. The Brockel family’s generous and historic contributions to students and the community at KPC will leave a lasting impact.