The John Edward Egan II Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 by John E. and Marybeth Egan in honor of their son, John Edward Egan II. Profile of John E. Egan II John graduated from Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon in 1989. John lettered in athletics (football, track and wrestling), drama (was the lead actor in several school plays), served on the school newspaper staff, participated in many school volunteer activities, and was a good student. John graduated from the University of Oregon in 1993, majoring in Telecommunication and Film. John chose this major because he loved to write and had aspirations of being a screenwriter. He was a member of the Phi Psi fraternity. He absolutely loved college life. Ironically, he worked on the film "Kicking and Screaming" while he was in Hollywood, which is about a student who hated to leave college-that was John. He also absolutely loved his fraternity and served in several leadership roles in the house. He also was very kind to students who were pledging when most of the brothers were into the hazing of pledges. John was also a good student at the U of O. In January 1994 John left for Hollywood in his newly purchased car loaded up with all his belongings to pursue his dream of writing screenplays. He worked at many grunt jobs trying to get himself established in Hollywood-he was not afraid to do menial tasks during the day to pay the rent, and at night he wrote. He had his writings reviewed by screenwriters who complemented him and offered suggestions, which he gladly accepted. We had no idea how popular he was in Hollywood. At a memorial service for John, the church was completely filled with all the friends he had made, including some whose names you see on TV and film credits-and he was only there for two years. He loved his Irish heritage, and during one summer he toured Europe, paying his own expenses, and enjoyed Ireland most of all. Perhaps a summary of John's life can be known from what is on his tombstone-a Celtic cross, reflecting his Irish heritage, and these symbols-a Crown (representing Loyalty-John was very loyal to his family and friends), a Heart (representing Love-John loved Life with a passion), and Hands around the Heart (representing Friendship-John was such a good friend to so many people; he helped so many people). Lastly, when John started college it was our hope that he would not have to work after school like I did so that he could get the total college experience-which he did. We know that the amount of this scholarship will not make the difference as to whether a student goes to college or not, but we believe that it will mean that a student can get the total college experience, by not having to work after classes. -written by John's father
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