Chris Waller Memorial Scholarship recipient Ethan Herman (middle) is from Hollister, Missouri, and is a 2025 graduate of C of O. He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering. Al Waller (left), father of the late Chris Waller, and Matt Waller (right), brother of the late Chris Waller, surprise each recipient with lunch at The Keeter Center and news of being the scholarship recipient.

This year marked the 15th year the Chris Waller Memorial Scholarship has been presented to College of the Ozarks graduates in memory of Chris Waller. This year, two deserving recipients were awarded the scholarship: Ethan Herman, an engineering major, and Jeremy Kroeker, an exercise science major.

This scholarship is given to College of the Ozarks graduates who possess outstanding character and want to further their education. The money for the scholarship comes from interest on the memorial endowment established in Chris’ memory.

“Our number one criterion for the scholarship recipients is outstanding character,” said Al Waller, father of the late Chris Waller. “It means a lot to honor Chris’ legacy and help these gentlemen with graduate school expenses. Education is the key to opportunities, and I hope this scholarship gives them the encouragement they need to be well-rounded citizens.” 

Ethan Herman, graduate of College of the Ozarks, is from Hollister, Missouri. He majored in engineering and worked in the engineering department as his campus workstation. He plans to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to gain his master’s in aerospace engineering this fall. 

“I am fortunate to have graduated debt free from C of O, and this scholarship will help me achieve my goal of graduating debt free with my master’s in aerospace engineering,” Herman said. “It was wonderful to meet Chris’ brother and father. I greatly appreciate the family’s generosity.” 

Jeremy Kroeker, graduate of College of the Ozarks, is from Blair, Nebraska, and worked in the athletic training room for his campus workstation. He plans to continue his education at the University of Nebraska Omaha as he pursues his career as an athletic trainer. 

“Chris wasn’t just an accomplished person, but someone everyone loved and wanted to be around,” Kroeker said. “In my personal life, I strive to reflect Christ and live out the fruits of the Spirit. To know that people see those attributes in me as they did in Chris encourages me that God is doing something in my life, just as he did through Chris.”

Chris Waller Memorial Scholarship recipient Jeremy Kroeker (middle) is from Blair, Nebraska, and is a 2025 graduate of C of O. He earned a Bachelor of Science in exercise science. Matt Waller (left) and Al Waller (right) accompany him.

More about the Chris Waller Memorial Scholarship

Al and Marty Waller established the Chris Waller Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son, Chris Waller. Chris graduated from Branson High School and attended College of the Ozarks from 1997-2001 as a mathematics major. Chris was a member of the C of O basketball team for four years, was named all-conference his senior year, and an NAIA Academic All-American his junior and senior years. He was also inducted into the College of the Ozarks Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. After his graduation, Chris went on to study at the University of Arkansas, majoring in civil engineering.

Al Waller began his career at College of the Ozarks in 1977 as a men’s basketball coach and physical education instructor. He has served in multiple roles throughout his tenure. His 25-year stint as the College’s head coach found him accumulating 458 wins, twelve conference championships, and six national tournament appearances. He was also named conference Coach of the Year on twelve occasions. In addition, he has been inducted into the College of the Ozarks Sports Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame, and Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Al Waller retired from C of O in 2015. 

The College of the Ozarks community is mourning the loss of Marty Waller, who went to be with the Lord in February of this year. Marty worked tirelessly in her efforts at Hard Work U. and was an ardent supporter of the College’s athletics. She coached the cheer team with passion for 27 years and developed them into one of the top small college cheer teams in the nation. She also played a significant role in the success of the NAIA Division II men’s basketball tournament by serving as a chair for the opening ceremonies, half time entertainment, and east pass gate for 16 years. In 2015, she was inducted into the College of the Ozarks Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to her activities at the College, Marty Waller was actively involved with the Branson Booster Club, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, and the Branson Believers, where she received the Love Award.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.