Highline Community College Foundation received a $60,000 donation to help provide emergency assistance to Highline students who are struggling to pay for their college education.

Emergency assistance may include funds to pay for books, supplies, child care or transportation. Funds will be distributed through Highline’s Financial Aid office based on a student’s need.

The endowment is named in honor of donors Justine Richards, of Des Moines, and her deceased husband, Gene J. Newman.

Richards is a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area and taught business classes for the Highline School District for 40 years. She has been a longtime supporter of Highline Community College.

Newman graduated from Lynden High School and the University of Washington. He served in the 10th Mountain Division (86th Infantry Regiment) during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal at Monte della Torraccia Ridge in Italy on Feb. 27, 1945.

He spent 60 years as an electrical engineer building cranes, designing hydroelectric plants and other projects. His ashes are interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

For more information on the HCC Foundation and how to donate to help needy students, call (200) 870-3774 or visit www.funds4highline.org.