Scholar Spotlight
A prolific writer of poetry and song, Nate is a dynamic speaker and isn't shy about performing in front of an audience.
About Jack Kent Cooke
|
|
|
Jack Kent Cooke |
Born in 1912 in Ontario, Canada, Jack Kent Cooke was an athlete and musician as a young man. His dream of pursuing a formal education was cut short when he left high school during the Depression to work full-time to help support his family.
Mr. Cooke worked three years selling encyclopedias door-to-door, then managed a radio station in Ontario, eventually partnering with media executive Roy Thomson to operate radio stations and newspapers throughout Canada, where he earned his first fortune. Mr. Cooke moved to the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 1960.
To Mr. Cooke, education was a lifelong pursuit. A passionate student his entire life, he was knowledgeable in fields as diverse as literature, music, sports, and architecture. His holdings were also diverse, including television stations and newspapers, as well as the Chrysler Building in New York City. Among the sports teams he owned were the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings and Washington Redskins. He was also a musician and a member of the American Society of Composers and Producers. He collected fine art, owned racehorses, and was a colorful public figure.
Mr. Cooke died in 1997, leaving the bulk of his fortune to establish the Foundation, his life’s legacy. His advice to young people remains the driving force behind the Foundation’s mission: “Destiny demands you do better than your supposed best.”
Career Biography
In 2004, in response to inquiries from Jack Kent Cooke Scholars, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation commissioned and published a biography of Mr. Cooke's career.
We invite you to download a copy of the book through the links below. You can also request a copy of the paperback book at website@jkcf.org
Grant ProgramsThrough strategically targeted grants, the Foundation works to expand educational opportunities for thousands of remarkable students whose families, schools, and communities need additional resources to help these students fulfill their promise. |
Our ScholarsLearn about JKCF through the stories and profiles of our Scholars |
Foundation in the NewsThe Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s programs are recognized for assisting students striving for excellence. |