JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – A promise is kept, and access to education is given. In an announcement representing gratitude and generosity, University of Jamestown is humbled to accept a $300,000 bequest from devoted friend Janet Holaday.

The gift will add to the “Promise Scholarship,”which was established this past January by her brother Bart Holaday. Now it will bear Janet’s name.

Janet, of Jamestown, is a long-time supporter of UJ.

“It is a true joy to be able to support the UJ Promise Scholarship, and I am deeply honored that the program will bear my name,” said Janet. She added, “My parents came from humble beginnings and succeeded in life because of the educational opportunities they were given. To the extent possible, I hope everyone can reach his or her full educational potential without being held back by economic conditions or considerations.”

The Janet Holaday Promise Scholarship ensures deserving students with financial need will have the means to complete their education at the University of Jamestown. The scholarship aims to create access to higher education and a pathway for students to achieve their career goals.

“Good education is fundamental to the strength of our country and our democracy. It gives me great pleasure to help others receive the best education they can,” said Janet.

Janet’s brother Bart commented on his sister’s gift: “She has been devoted to UJ all her life and is leaving this as part of her legacy to the community that is UJ that means so much to her and us.”

Janet received a bachelor’s degree in both French and Spanish from Colorado College and a master’s degree in accounting and business law from the University of North Dakota.

After graduation, she became a CPA and joined an accounting firm founded by her father, Sidney E. Holaday. It was the first father-daughter CPA firm in North Dakota. She has provided accounting and auditing services, including pro bono services, for numerous non-profit organizations in central North Dakota. Sidney Holaday was a professor of Business and Accounting at Jamestown College from 1948 through 1968 and both his children, Janet and Bart, grew up loving the College and enjoying its activities.

Janet was a chapter and state officer for the North Dakota State Society Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 20 years. She is currently the state registrar and genealogical consultant for three other hereditary societies and is active in organizations supporting higher education, historical preservation, and genealogical research.

“I am deeply humbled to accept this gift from Janet. We are saddened by the decline in Janet’s health, but her passion for education will live on through this beautiful gift of support to families with financial need,” said UJ President Dr. Polly Peterson. "While this is bittersweet, it reflects the spirit of Janet—her unwavering support for the University and her commitment to helping future generations of students.”

The scholarship is expected to provide 75 scholarships each year for three years.

The University of Jamestown community extends their deepest gratitude to Janet Holaday for her exceptional generosity and her enduring dedication to education.