Endowed jewelry scholarship created at PJC

Published or Revised February 03, 2015

A well-known Paris business couple will be remembered for decades to come, thanks to their son’s generosity. Randy Rader, the only child of the late Gene and Dorothy Rader, left a living legacy honoring his parents this week to Paris Junior College’s Texas Institute for Jewelry Technology (TIJT). The $10,000 endowed scholarship will award a minimum $500 scholarship annually to a deserving full-time student in the TIJT program. The endowment will be known as the Gene and Dorothy Rader-Gene the Jewelers Endowed Scholarship Fund. “Dad and Mom showed me what hard work and determination could do for you,” said Randy Rader at the signing of the endowment agreement in the Founders Room at Paris Junior College. “They worked tirelessly to help the dreams of others come true and through their example, they too were blessed beyond measure.” Joining Rader for the ceremonial signing were PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin and long-time family friends of Randy and his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Swint. “The College and the TIJT program appreciate Randy’s commitment to further careers in the field of jewelry technology,” noted Dr. Anglin. A former PJC student himself, Randy says his father attended the jewelry program in its infancy in the 1940’s. Gene and Dorothy opened Gene the Jewelers in 1954 where Gene was known as “The Cut Price King,” a moniker he claimed throughout his career. “PJC has been so instrumental in producing quality jewelers who can be found around the world,” Rader said. “I know this endowment would make Mom and Dad proud. They loved this community and really enjoyed helping other people. This scholarship will do just that for years to come.” The senior Rader passed away October 4, 2014 and his wife, Dorothy, passed away June 8, 2009. Donations to the Rader endowment may be made to the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460.