Ralph W. Ketner Family Endowed Scholarship

n 1998, the Ralph Ketner family established this fund to assist students with clear demonstration of need and ability to benefit from the scholarship which supports tuition, books and fees associated with attending RCCC. “I know that RCCC students are not born with silver spoons – they are hard-working family folks who want to make a better life for themselves – I am happy I can support students with greater need.”
Mr. Ketner is a native of Salisbury, the father of Robert Ketner and Linda Ketner, and one of three men who founded Food Town (now Food Lion) in 1957. He has been chairman emeritus of the Food Lion Board of directors since his retirement in 1991. Mr. Ketner has been named as one of the people in North Carolina who made a significant difference in the state during the 20th century and is the author of “Five Fast Pennies”
He attended Tri-State University (now Trine University) in Angola, Indiana, studying accounting for three years. He was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Science degree and an honorary doctorate in business administration in 1982 from Trine University. Catawba College awarded him an honorary doctorate in business administration in 1981.
He worked as an accountant for Cannon Mills for several years before joining the Army and serving in Italy and Africa during World War II. After the war, he worked as an IRS agent, a N.C. Revenue agent, and later as a buyer for Winn-Dixie before launching his own grocery venture.