John McKinley Scholarship

John McKinley (April 9, 1919 – May 30, 2011) was a lifelong educator and a dedicated administrator who made significant contributions to Chabot College in Hayward, where he served for 19 years. As the Dean of Instruction in 1962, he played a crucial role in developing academic programs and fostering successful student instruction. John also served as a representative on the Board of Trustees and was instrumental in negotiating the college’s first collective bargaining contracts for faculty and staff, ensuring fair and just agreements for all.

Beyond his professional life, John was deeply committed to his family and community. Raised in Richmond, Stockton, and Oakland, John served in the Navy during World War II. He was married to Dorothy Dye for 41 years, raising four children together. After Dorothy’s passing in 1983, John married Jackie Fridell in 1985, and the two shared a love of travel, exploring destinations like the Galapagos Islands, the Panama Canal, South America, and the Yangtze River.

A passionate gardener and a lover of technology, John’s office was often described as a maze of electronic equipment, and he was known for sharing his beautiful orchids with family and friends. He was a lifelong advocate for education, always encouraging young people to pursue learning and growth.