Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, Rochester Kiwanis Club and Rochester Rotary Club Scholarship Descriptions
The Scholarships listed below are awarded by the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester subject to availability of funds. Recipients are chosen from those who successfully complete and timely submit the Community Foundation’s Scholarship Application to the Community Foundation. The application and program parameters are found on the Community Foundation’s website at cfcound.org. For questions or additional information, please contact Jo Allen at [email protected] or (248) 608- 2804.
ANDREWS HOOPER & PAVLIK SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors majoring in accounting and planning a career as a Certified Public Accountant.
Award: $1,000
Background: This scholarship was established by associates at Andrews Hooper & Pavlik (formerly Laine, Appold and Company) to assist accounting students pursuing a career as a CPA.
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors who have demonstrated an understanding of childhood hunger insecurity and volunteer in activities to help alleviate it.
Award: $1,000
Background: The Blessings in a Backpack program helps meet the nutritional needs of at-risk school age children. Each week volunteers distribute backpacks filled with enough non-perishable food for the weekend (six meals) to students who participate in the government subsidized free or reduced fee hot lunch program.
BRAD GLASS MEMORIAL INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing international study. Students must demonstrate high interest in world cultures and international affairs and attained a minimum 2.0 GPA. The scholarship may also be awarded for international travel through an approved international study program.
Award: $1,000
Background: Brad M. Glass (1974-1992) graduated from Adams High School in 1992 and was an avid traveler and member of the Adams Global Village Project. He was a spirited young man with a keen sense of humor who excelled in expository writing, enjoyed theater and the arts.
CASEY COLLINS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from Rochester High School pursuing a college education. Must display commendable traits and be an inspiration to others; may have overcome some personal, physical or emotional obstacles in pursuit of education; must be active in school and community; and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Award: $500
Background: Katherine “Casey” Collins (1976-1993) was a promising athlete who held many records and honors during her 3 years at Rochester High School. She believed attitude determined achievements and was an inspiration and leader to her peers.
CHIEF FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION “RISE ABOVE” SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester Community Schools graduating seniors attending ACE or OSTC (Oakland Schools Technical Campus) who have exhibited perseverance, character, academic achievement and maintained twelve months of continuous employment. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Equal preference for those attending two-year colleges, four-year universities and trade programs.
Award: $1,000 (2 scholarships)
Background: The first Chief Financial Credit Union Scholarship was established in 2017 to award academic scholarships to graduating seniors who succeeded in rising above their challenges to achieve success in and out of the classroom.
CIPA FAMILY FOUNDATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating students from various Northern Oakland and Southern Macomb Counties (including Rochester Community Schools, Avondale Schools and St. Basil Church Parish) pursuing a college education. Must have a desire for higher education, demonstrate financial need, a strong work ethic and commitment to self- improvement.
Award: $2,000 (renewable)
Background: The Cipa Family Foundation was established in 1999 by Bernard Cipa upon his retirement to facilitate his personal charitable goals and those of his family.
CLINTON SHULTZ AND KENDA PYLE-SHULTZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing a career in the medical field with special consideration given to a student pursuing a nursing career.
Award: $1,000 (renewable)
Background: Clinton Shultz and Kenda-Pyle Shultz devoted their professional careers toward the improvement of eldercare. Kenda was a registered nurse and nursing home surveyor for the State of Oregon and Clinton was the Northwest Vice President of Operations for Encore Senior Living. The couple, with roots in Michigan and Ohio, died as the result of a tragic explosion.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER ROCHESTER TRUSTEES’ SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Seniors graduating from a high school within the Rochester or Avondale School District pursuing further education in college, technical or vocational training. Student must demonstrate active involvement in community service.
Award: $1,000
Background: The Community Foundation Trustees fund this scholarship in support of the core objectives of the Community Foundation as well as acknowledgment of the benefits of post-high school education.
DALE LAWSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from Rochester High School pursuing a college education in nutrition, food service, dietetics, life survival skills, or family/consumer resources. Must have a good GPA and demonstrate financial need.
Award: $500
Background: Dale Lawson (1924-1994) taught Home Economics and Life Skills for 26 years in the Rochester Community Schools. For her great compassion toward her students, she earned many awards and honors, among them being named the Michigan Home Economics Teacher of the Year. Her work brought many changes in life skills nationwide.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION STONEY CREEK CHAPTER ROSAMOND P. HAEBERLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Students graduating from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne County High Schools pursuing higher education in college, technical or vocations training. Applicants must demonstrate active involvement in community service and a minimum 3.0 GPA during high school.
Award: $1,000
Background: Established in memory of Rosamond P. Haeberle. Ms. Haeberle was a Regent of the Stoney Creek DAR Chapter. She was also a member of local and state music associations and a certified Parliamentarian.
DIANE GOETHALS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (f/k/a Rochester Soccer Club Scholarship)
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who have played a minimum of 5 seasons with Rochester Soccer Club (Recreation or MI Lightning). Preference will be given to applicants who intend to play soccer at the college level, either varsity, intramural or club and who, in addition to playing, have coached a youth team or refereed youth games.
Award: $500 scholarship (8 scholarships: a boy and a girl from each of the following high schools: Rochester, Rochester Adams, Stoney Creek and Avondale)
Background: Funds for this scholarship provided by the Rochester Soccer Club, a non-profit organization formed in 1978. RSC offers a complete soccer experience, with opportunities to play in recreation, development, travel, and elite programs, focusing on player development and success at all levels of competition.
ERIC J. SHOOK MEMORIAL ART SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Seniors graduating from a Rochester Community Schools High School who demonstrate artistic talent and plan on majoring in art, photography, film or video in college. Recipient must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and a resume of achievements in a least one of the foregoing areas.
Award: $1,000
Background: Eric J. Shook (1974-1992) graduated from Rochester High School in 1992. He was a brilliant photographer and artist who won numerous state awards. His work was well known by his peers.
GRACE AND GUS EASTMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors living in the Rochester Community School District, admitted to and attending Michigan State University for pre-veterinary studies. Financial need is a consideration.
Award: $1,000
Background: Gus and Grace Eastman lived, worked and raised their four children in Rochester. Gus was the first veterinarian in the area, servicing large farm animals and then caring for small animals. He spent the last 20+ years of his career as the first full-time veterinarian for Leader Dogs for the Blind. Both Gus and Grace had a great love for animals and the Rochester community.
JOANNA VANRAAPHORST HUMAN RIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from the Rochester Community School District pursuing higher education, who have demonstrated support for Human Rights or LGBTQ rights (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) in high school.
Award: $500
Background: Joanna VanRaaphorst is a local business owner and long-time supporter of Human Rights.
JOSEPH URDA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from Adams High School pursuing higher education who have a minimum 3.0 GPA, history of community service and demonstrate financial need. Special consideration for a student who ran track and cross country in high school.
Award: $1,000
Background: Awarded in memory of Joseph Michael Urda, a 2007 graduate of Rochester Adams High School. He was captain of his high school cross-country team, loved to learn, read, cook and outdoor activities.
KAREN HYRE STEM SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating female seniors pursuing higher education in college, technical or vocational training that will be used in a practical way. Special consideration will be given to students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Math.
Award: $1,000
Background: Karen Hyre wants to encourage young women toward an independent life.
KIWANIS CLUB OF ROCHESTER HILLS FREEDOM SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: This scholarship is awarded to a student graduating from a Rochester Community Schools High School who demonstrates that he or she has overcome difficult obstacles in life to graduate from high school and further demonstrates the desire, ability and willingness to continue his or her education in pursuit of skills that will lead to full-time employment.
Award: $1,000
Background: This scholarship was established in memory of World War II veterans who left the community to fight a war against oppression and then returned to support its members in gaining economic freedom and individual liberty within a democratic society.
KIWANIS CLUB OF ROCHESTER SCHOLARSHIPS
Eligibility: Seniors graduating from a high school in the Rochester Community School District who are active members of their high school Key Club and have a recommendation from the Key Club Faculty Advisor.
Award: $1,000 (3 scholarships)
Background: The Kiwanis Club sponsors Key Clubs at ACE, Adams, Rochester and Stoney Creek High Schools. Key Club International, founded in 1925, is an international service program for high school students. Often referred to as simply Key Club, it is a student-led organization whose goal is to encourage leadership through serving others.
LARRY AND LUCY WETING SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors who seek post-graduate training for gainful employment. Financial need will be considered in choosing the recipient.
Award: $500
Background: Longtime Rochester Community supporters and residents Larry and Lucy Weting established this scholarship to help prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
MARIAN BORDINE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing a college program with major emphasis in forestry, horticulture, floriculture, landscape architecture or design, conservation, plant science, wildlife biology, agriculture technician, floral design, etc.
Award: $1,000
Background: This scholarship was named in memory of Marian Bordine (1915-2006). Born in Detroit, Mrs. Bordine worked with her husband Darrell to build the family business, Bordine Nursery. Over the years she was involved in every aspect of the family business, from tending crops, bookkeeping, buying and creating the Spring Catalog. Mrs. Bordine was a life member of the Rochester Branch of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association.
MARIE CULPERT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing a degree in education, particularly those with an Early Childhood focus. Preference will be given to female applicants.
Award: $1,000
Background: This scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Marie Culpert, a teacher whose career focused on Early Childhood.
MEN’S FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating male seniors who demonstrate an active involvement in community service and a commitment to improving his life through additional education in college, technical or vocational training.
Award: $1,000
Background: The Community Foundation Men’s Fund a is supported by a group of residents and local businessmen who meet annually to raise money for local nonprofits and fund a scholarship.
MONTE AND MORREL CLUTE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: A graduating senior from the Rochester or Avondale School District or Romeo High School pursuing a teaching degree.
Award: $1,000
Background: Monte Clute (1940-1995) was a former Avondale, Rochester and Waterford educator and administrator. He was an avid runner, traveler and accomplished photographer. His father, Morrel Clute, was a Professor of Education at Wayne State University. Both men enjoyed travel throughout their lives and believed in its value for young adults.
PAUL AND JOANNA VANRAAPHORST- OAKLAND UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Students graduating from a Rochester area high school pursuing a college education at Oakland University. Preference will be given to students planning to live on campus.
Award: $1,000
Background: The VanRaaphorst Scholarship will benefit students who demonstrate active involvement in community service and a commitment to improving their lives through higher education.
PAULINE SCHAFER AND SUE VERNIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors who demonstrates a commitment to helping other people throughout their middle/high school career. Students must demonstrate financial need, average or above average academics and most of all must embody the idea that “thinking of others, better one’s self.”
Award: $1,000
Background: This scholarship was established to honor the special friendship between Pauline Schafer and Sue Vernia and to recognize their commitment to helping others throughout their lives.
PIXLEY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors who have been accepted at and attending Michigan State University and demonstrates financial need.
Award: $500
Background: This scholarship was named in memory of Edith M. Pixley (1902-1990), a Rochester resident from 1928 until 1990. Mrs. Pixley was a member of the Rochester Business Women’s Club, the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association and the Order of the Eastern Star. She loved the Rochester Community and witnessed the great growth of this area during her lifetime.
RAY AND GINNY de STEIGER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors living in the Rochester Community School District, admitted to and attending Michigan State University to study business. Financial need is a consideration.
Award: $5,000
Background: Ray and Ginny de Steiger met at Michigan State in 1947 and were married in 1950. Ray believed his Business Administration major helped him grow his company Ray Electric, into a successful business. The couple established residence in Rochester in 1963. Ginny taught at Rochester High School for 14 years. They were very active in the community in various organizations, Ray in Rotary and Ginny the Assistance League among others. Ray and Ginny had discussed setting up this scholarship before Ray’s death in 2016. Their four children all graduated from Michigan State. They wanted to offer the opportunity to attend MSU to other Rochester students interested in business.
RAY H. LAWSON SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing a college education. Applicants must demonstrate good citizenship as evidenced by recommendations of teachers and/or counselors, strong work ethic, commitment to chosen field of study and financial need.
Award: $1,000
Background: Ray Lawson taught English at Rochester High School for 63 years and upon his retirement established this scholarship as his continuing commitment to education.
ROCHELLE COLE MEMORIAL FUND
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing a college education. Must demonstrate outstanding community and church service as well as scholastic achievements.
Award: $500
Background: Rochelle M. Cole (1967-1987) graduated from Rochester High School in 1986 and was very active in school, church activities, and community volunteer work. She believed in the benefit of hard work and education.
ROCHESTER GARDEN CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors who is pursuing a degree in environmental studies or environmental education, agriculture, horticulture, or studies related to the field of sustainability.
Award: $1,500 (may award more than 1)
Background: This scholarship was established by the Rochester Garden Club to support their commitment to education and the environment.
ROCHESTER HILLS LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams, Stoney Creek and Avondale graduating seniors pursuing continuing education in college, technical or vocational training. Emphasis will be given to students who have personally faced the challenges of either vision or hearing impairment or have been actively involved in community service programs or projects relating to the blind and deaf.
Award: $1,000
Background: Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 1.35 million members in 46,028 clubs in 192 countries and geographical areas. Lions are men and women who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes. Founded in 1917, the association's motto is "We Serve." Funds for this scholarship are provided by donations from individuals, organizations and corporations.
ROCHESTER JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing higher education. Must be active in community volunteerism and service; minimum 2.0 GPA.
Award: $1,000
Background: The Rochester Jaycees Scholarship was established to provide young people the opportunity to develop personal and leadership skills through local community service and organizational involvement.
ROCHESTER JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing higher education. Must have a record of community volunteerism and service; minimum 2.0 GPA.
Award: $500 (2 scholarships)
Background: The Rochester Junior Women’s Club was founded in 1956. Its mission is to promote education, strive to preserve natural resources, work to benefit the elderly, and support the arts.
ROCHESTER LIONS CLUB TODD MINBIOLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek graduating seniors pursuing continuing education in college, technical and vocational training. Applicants student must have maintained a 2.75 or higher GPA and be actively involved in and demonstrated a contribution to community volunteerism and service.
Award: $1,000
Background: Funds for this scholarship are provided by the donation of the “Pro Street” GMC pick-up truck that Todd Minbiole drove as well as various Lions Club fundraisers. A graduate of Rochester Adams and Western Michigan University, Mr. Minbiole had a career in sales/marketing, loved muscle cars, dogs and the Detroit Lions.
ROCHESTER ROTARY DON G. PIXLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from a Rochester area high school who have overcome a physical or mental challenge. Participation in Interact is strongly considered.
Award: $1,000 - $1,500 (Non-Renewable)
Background: This scholarship is named for long-time Rochester Rotarian and local business owner, Don G. Pixley.
ROCHESTER ROTARY COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from a Rochester area high school with a record of community service and demonstration of leadership. Participation in Interact and a recommendation of the Interact Advisor is strongly considered. Applicants must demonstrate Rotary’s Motto of “Service Above Self.”
Award: $1,000 - $1,500 (Non-Renewable)
Background: Rotary International is a network of International Service Clubs. The Rochester Rotary Club was chartered in 1954 and currently has over 100 members who participate in several fundraisers each year to support local needs.
ROCHESTER ROTARY PAUL HARRIS SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from a Rochester area high school with a record of community service and demonstration of leadership. Participation in Interact is required and a recommendation of the Interact Advisor is strongly considered. Applicants must demonstrate Rotary’s Motto of “Service Above Self.” Minimum 2.75 GPA.
Award: $1,500 (2 scholarships awarded – renewable for up to four years)
Background: This scholarship is named for Paul Harris, the man who founded Rotary. A Chicago, Illinois, attorney, Mr. Harris started a club that became the humanitarian organization Rotary International in 1905.
ROCHESTER ROTARY SALLY CASE COURAGE SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from a Rochester area high school. Recipients must show they have overcome obstacles or shown courage, have a record of community service, and demonstrate Rotary’s Motto of “Service Above Self.”
Award: $1,000 - $1,500 (Non-Renewable)
Background: The Rochester Rotary Club Sally Case Courage Scholarship is awarded in memory of Rotary’s long-time piano player, Salle Case. This scholarship is awarded at the discretion of the Rotary scholarship committee.
SHARON K. POSTNIEKS SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Female students graduating from a Rochester area high school with plans to become a teacher. Applicants must have a good GPA and show a history of volunteer roles in school and community. Financial need considered.
Award: $1,000
Background: Sharon Postnieks was an Elementary School Librarian. In addition to her lifelong interest in reading, she has also been an active member of the American Association of University Women. In creating this scholarship, Sharon hopes to provide opportunities for the next generation through higher education.
TIM CRAWFORD INSURANCE COMPANY SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams or Stoney Creek High School graduating male student who has attained the Boy Scouts of America rank of Eagle Scout, is majoring in Business Administration and planning a career in business.
Award: $1,000
Background: This scholarship was established by Tim Crawford, a local business owner who is community minded, serves on local boards and committees, and supports many local nonprofits including the Boy Scouts of America.
WEEMOFF FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Graduating senior from a Rochester Community School’s high school. Open to students with a maximum GPA of 3.6. Preference will be given to a student who would be the first in their extended family to pursue post- secondary education. Applicants must show an ability to strive/overcome to succeed and be well-rounded, in addition to solid academics, with extracurricular activities including both school and community.
Award: $1,000
Background: Harold and Chris Weemhoff are long-time Rochester residents and community supporters.
WILLAMENA RIBBINK MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek High School graduating seniors pursuing a teaching degree. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Award: $1,000
Background: Willamena Ribbink (1905-1992) was a business practices teacher and counselor for 35 years in the Rochester Community Schools. “Mena” believed that the major role of a teacher was to help others become successful people.
WOMEN’S FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Female students graduating from Rochester, Adams and Stoney Creek pursuing higher education in college, technical or vocational training. The Women’s Fund Scholarship will benefit students who demonstrate active involvement in community service and a commitment to improving their lives through further education.
Award: $1,000
Background: The Community Foundation Women’s Fund is committed to Helping Women In Need by supporting educational and skill building programs for women of all ages and in all stages of their lives, believing that women deserve a purse of their own.