John S. Renner Memorial Scholarship

The youngest of five children, John S. Renner was born and raised in the small town of Yankton, South Dakota. Even at a young age, John’s interests led him toward artistic and intellectual interests: Egyptian hieroglyphics, Braille writing, macramé, and papier-mache. Following elementary school and high school, John was involved in Drama Club and learned calligraphy. He then received an undergraduate degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Masters degree in Computer Science from the Ohio State University. During that time, John became interested in glass blowing and further improving his calligraphy skills. After graduate school, John worked at Adobe Systems for 19 years, where he developed and supported unique typefaces, two of which were patented. Typography and print imagery remained two of his continued interests, along with hobbies of trapeze and collecting sculpture. Upon retirement and relocation, John’s interest in photographic art led him to involvement with the Photographic Council at the Palm Springs Museum of Art and the Museum of Photographic Art in San Diego. John offered financial support over the years to many budding photographers, sculptors, and painters. It is the wish of his family to continue this spirit of support by funding scholarships for LGBTQ+ youth as they aspire to achieve their goals, especially in the fields of creative or performance arts

Open to LGBTQIA+ students who are pursuing arts education including visual, performing or graphic arts. Candidate may pursue their education at a 2 or 4 year school or technical or professional school.