Donor Biography

The Pollmans lived in Seal Beach, Calif. Dennis was an SUU Alumni who minored in sociology and retained a great interest in the field throughout his life. He often expressed a desire to aid others who had an interest in the discipline. He was a charismatic student leader who warmly embodied friendship and fellowship, he continued to live a life of engagement in a wide range of civic and social clubs and endeavors. During his time at the College of Southern Utah/Southern Utah State College he became president of the Sigma Pi Epsilon Fraternity, a student body senator and the executive secretary for cultural affairs. His student days were ones of celebration of the collegiate life and he continued to use the skills he honed here for the remainder of his life as a successful businessman and civic leader. Following graduation, he served for four years in the Peace Corps. His later affiliations include membership in the Seal Beach and Los Alamitos Chambers of Commerce, Cypress Rotary, Elks Club #888, Long Beach Police Officers Association, and the Long Beach Century Club. In 1980, he and two others founded the Long Beach Visitors and Convention Bureau. He served as its executive director and a board member from 1980 to 1986. In 2005 he was SUU alumnus of the year.

His widow Bette and step daughter Stacy, elected to remember him with a $100,000 gift to fund the endowment. They directed the same amount toward the completion of the L.S. and Aline W. Skaggs Center for Molecular and Health Sciences on campus. He was also honored at the dedication of SUU's Science Center as the building Dennis Key Pollman Plaza was unveiled. Family and friends were in attendance at the dedication, including wife Bette and stepdaughter Stacy Chandler (an SUU alum). Their legacy to his fraternity brothers and students is one of leadership and inspiration.

Scholarship Criteria

Awards junior or senior students in the College of Humanities and Social Science, Department of Sociology. Students must be a United States citizen, have financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Humanities and Social Sciences

History, Sociology & Anthro

Varied Dollars/yr