BCF Scholarships:  “Touching the Future”

The Berrien Community Foundation is honored to play a part in rewarding our communities’ young people through scholarships. It is also an honor to work with the donors who see the lasting value of an investment in education. Each donor and student play an integral part in reaching out to positively touch the future of our community.

Although we are celebrating over 55 years of service to the County, it wasn’t until 1996 when John and Dede Howard came to the Foundation to help fulfill their desire to encourage young people to continue with their formal education in the music field. Without knowing it, John and Dede planted a small seed that has become a beautiful tree with many branches. Today we have 20 active Scholarship Funds with several programs. In 2009, $122,000 was awarded to Berrien County students.

Drs. John and Dede Howard, first donors to establish a scholarship fund

Scholarships serve so many people in so many ways. A scholarship can be the difference between going to school and having to take a year off to work and save. A scholarship can prevent the burden of funding a college education from falling totally on a family’s shoulders. The community sees the benefit of scholarships through young people gaining the opportunity to train their minds and be better equipped to become leaders in the future.

Nanette Keiser, Ed.D., BCF President, and Anne Mc Causland, Program Director,  (l to r)  

with about 200 donors, recipients, and their guests at a recent Scholarship Celebration at Villa Santaniellos

The Foundation sends out scholarship applications to the various schools

listed below by February 1 of each year.

The 2010 scholarship application period is now open.

Applications are due March 8, 2010

Dropped off to BCF by 5 p.m. by March 8 or postmarked by a post office with that date or before, no exceptions

To Download an application (Word document), Click on the Scholarship Name and Select SAVE

2010 scholarship recipients will be determined by the first week of May.

Recipient names will be posted on this web at that time.

Guidance offices will be notified at the same time.

Recipients will be informed by letter in late June/early July on what information they needed to supply to have the

Foundation provide the scholarship check directly to the college or university.

Checks are released to the college or university by mid September,

if the information requested is provided timely

EDNA BENDER SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  Established in 2000, this scholarship supports Berrien Springs High School students pursuing careers in business. Mrs. Bender, a long-time business teacher at Berrien Springs High School, purchased a share of AT&T stock in 1956 as a lesson for the students. Through her years of teaching she purchased a total of 200 shares of stock. The stocks’ growth allowed for this wonderful scholarship.

Maria Sanchez, Laura Sanchez, 2009 Edna Bender Scholarship Recipient, and Jesus Sanchez

BRYCE BOOTHBY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  This scholarship was established by Bryce Boothby who is a proud graduate of the Benton Harbor High School. Additionally, many of his family members graduated from Lake Michigan Catholic High School. Criteria include:  2.5 or above GPA, Benton Harbor or Lake Michigan Catholic High School graduating senior, some involvement in volunteer/community activities, and for use at a vocational technical/institute school (e.g., cosmetology school) or a college/university of choice anywhere for tuition, books, fees, and other costs, but not for room and board. The first scholarships was awarded in 2005.

DREWS SCHOLAR (Word Doc):  In honor of Mr. & Mrs. R. A. Drews'  leadership, persistence, and positive reinforcement given to their children, the Drews Scholar Fund was established in 2004. This scholarship is available to Lakeshore High School graduating seniors planning to attend a prestigious in or out of state college/university (Big Ten caliber or higher) and who demonstrate the highest level of personal expectations in their college and professional careers. The first scholarship was awarded in 2005. For more about this remarkable family, click on the Drews Story (pdf file).

JAMESON MATTHEW GARGANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  This scholarship was established through the outpouring of love from our community for a boy who was diagnosed with cancer. In 1996, 14-year-old Jay Gargano lost his battle but before he died, this brave young man told his family “don’t forget the children.” This is an annual scholarship for a Lakeshore High School graduate.

THE HEART OF COOK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (Word Doc): Established in 2003, this  scholarship is to encourage the high school students of Berrien County to explore and excel in the areas of engineering, math, science, and other technical disciplines, and to provide scholarship support for pursuing those technical goals (all 18 schools in Berrien County).

                                             2009 Heart of Cook recipients Christine Nieh, Eeshan Khanpara, Celia Zhang, Kai Peng,

                                                  Samuel Range, Adam Ziolkowski with H of C representative Leslie Rittenhouse (l to r)

jon jollay scholarship (Word Doc):  The Jon Jollay Scholarship was established in 1988 to enhance the post secondary education of a Coloma High School graduate. The scholarship is given to a graduating student who shows excellence in citizenship, scholarship, and all around accomplishments.  This nonrenewable scholarship is awarded to a graduating Coloma High School senior. The recipient must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and involvement in volunteer/community activities. The scholarship may be used at any vocational/technical institute school, or a college/university of choice for tuition, books, but not room and board.

LORA WILE-MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc): On April 22, 1997, the world lost an outstanding teacher, a wonderful person, a loving wife, daughter, sister, and a special friend. To honor Lora, her family established the Lora Wile Miller Memorial Scholarship to assist a college freshman interested in becoming an elementary teacher. This scholarship alternates each year between Lakeshore Schools and Kent, Washington Schools. Applications were available at Kent Washington Schools in 2010.

TERENCE JOSEPH MULVIHILL SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  This scholarship is in loving memory of Terence Joseph Mulvihill who passed away November 18, 2000. Terry was always of kind spirit, with a generous manner and unbelievable curiosity in people he encountered throughout his life. For many years, he called New Buffalo home and made his presence known through his kindness and interest in the community. Many of the youth of New Buffalo were fortunate to know Mr. Mulvihill. He always made a point of learning about them, their desires and interests and  encouraged them to strive to achieve their goals and those desires. The Terence Joseph Mulvihill Scholarship sustains those traits by offering annual scholarships to graduates of New Buffalo High School and assures that his spirit of generosity will endure for future generations. Scholarship applications are also available through the New Buffalo High School.

                                                 Committee Members Nadra Kissman & Richard Adamec with 2009 Mulvihill recipients

                                              Kasse Kniola, Erika Piner, Troy Robertson, & Scholarship Representative Candice Johnson

Carol A. Oehlhaffen lake michigan catholic scholar (Word Doc):  This scholarship was established by Carol A. Oehlhaffen to honor deserving students at Lake Michigan Catholic. Criteria, arranged in priority order, for this scholarship include:  3.0 or above GPA, Lake Michigan Catholic High School graduating senior, career goal in profession related to elementary and/or special education, nursing, or occupational therapy preferred, some involvement in volunteer/community & church activities (e.g., Christian Service projects, student government, athletics), and for use at a college/university of choice anywhere for tuition, books, fees, and other costs, but not for room and board.

CORA B. PARKHURST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  The Cora B. Parkhurst Memorial Scholarship rewards students from Berrien Springs High School who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. This scholarship is renewable for 4 years, making a major impact on the lives of the student recipients.

JUDITH e. PHILLIPI SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  Kim Phllipi established this scholarship in honor of her sister, Judith Phillipi, for her dedication and commitment she demonstrated to the Watervliet community, Watervliet Public School System, and thousands of students she’s helped over 33 years. This scholarship is available to Watervliet High School graduating seniors who plan to attend vocational technical/institute school (e.g., cosmetology school) or a college/university. The first scholarship was awarded in 2005.

Kim Phillipi (r) honored her sister, Judith (l),

by establishing the Judith E. Phillipi Scholarship

THE ARLENE B. PORRITT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR CURIOUS KIDS (Word Doc):  This scholarship was established in loving memory of Arlene B. Porritt, who passed away in May 2005. Dedication to her family, community, friendships, and her commitment to higher education led to the formation of this living remembrance. Mrs. Porritt was an outstanding educator before retiring from the classroom to start her family. She and her husband, Dr. John L. Porritt, and their five children moved to St. Joseph in 1964, becoming valued members of our community. She spent the next 41 years raising her family, teaching the life-long lessons of family unity and love. Nana, as she was affectionately known, touched the lives and hearts of her 15 grandchildren dearly. One of her favorite outings with her grandchildren was visiting Curious Kids' Museum, a place of learning and wonder for the entire family.  There she felt great satisfaction in seeing her grandchildren’s inquisitive minds at work.  The Porritt Family, along with dear friends, established this scholarship to acknowledge and enrich the educational experiences of those St. Joseph High School students who volunteer and/or are employed at Curious Kids' Museum. The Arlene B. Porritt Memorial Scholarship for Curious Kids thus is a legacy combining her special love for family, children, and the irreplaceable value of education.

The scholarship is available to a St. Joseph High School graduating senior who has 1) volunteered and/or been employed at the Curious Kids' Museum a TOTAL of 10 hours from the time period of 8th grade to mid 12th grade (i.e., the December of the year prior to applying for the scholarship. For example, if applying in 2010, it would be through December 2009), 2) has a 3.0 or higher GPA, and 3) has a strong sense of community as evidenced by additional volunteer activities. The first scholarship was awarded in 2006. For Arlene B. Porritt's beautiful story, click on Arlene's Story (pdf file).

Arlene B. Porritt

Terry Richcreek Memorial Scholarship: Terry Richcreek loved the game of golf. To honor his love of this sport, a dear friend established this scholarship in his memory. The scholarship is awarded each year to a Watervliet High School student who shares Mr. Richcreek’s love and respect for the game and who exhibits true sportsmanship in their play. Applications available at the Watervliet High School counseling office in 2010.

DON J. SAYAN/W. JACK & DR. NANETTE M. KEISER SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  This  scholarship was established by W. Jack and Nanette Keiser in memory of Nanette’s beloved grandfather, Don J. Sayan, a lifelong learner. Jack and Nanette are also first-generation college graduates who wish to assist others to obtain their dreams through education. This will be rotated among the 18 schools in the County with applications available at the Eau Claire High School in 2010.

WELCH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP-Benton Harbor (Word Doc) & WELCH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP-Lakeshore (Word Doc):  Established in 2004 by Fred & Sandy Welch, this program provides scholarships to graduating seniors from Lakeshore and Benton Harbor High Schools demonstrating financial need with preference for those who have been accepted into engineering, math, science or other technical degree programs. The first scholarships was awarded in 2005.

WAYNE K. WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  A retired counselor at Berrien Springs High School, it only made sense that Wayne Wright would establish a scholarship to assist the same students he has worked with for so many years. The Wayne Wright Scholarship provides a  scholarship for a graduating Berrien Springs High School Senior who demonstrates leadership and a commitment to the community through volunteerism.

College Level & Special Scholarships

The 2010 scholarship application period is now open.

Applications are due March 8, 2010

Dropped off to BCF by 5 p.m. by March 8 or postmarked by a post office with that date or before, no exceptions

To Download an application (Word document), Click on the Scholarship Name and Select SAVE

2010 scholarship recipients will be determined by the first week of May.

Recipient names will be posted on this web at that time.

Guidance offices will be notified at the same time.

Recipients will be informed by letter in late June/early July on what information they needed to supply to have the

Foundation provide the scholarship check directly to the college or university.

Checks are released to the college or university by mid September,

if the information requested is provided timely

DUNN SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  Established by Jeanne & Eddie R. Dunn, this program provides scholarships to part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate students demonstrating financial need. Eligible students are entering or presently attending an accredited college/university in any field of study and have a 2.75 or better GPA. Preference will be given to women in transition (e.g., returning to college after raising children, a divorce, or widowed with definite goals for the next steps in their lives). This scholarship can be used at Andrews University, Lake Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College, or Western Michigan University-Berrien County campus for tuition, books, fees, and other costs related to attending. The first scholarship was awarded in 2005.

DRS. JOHN E.N. & DEDE HOWARD INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP (Word Doc):  This scholarship was established to encourage young people with a gift for music and the drive to be a musician to continue with their formal educations. Established in 1996, this scholarship has made college possible for so many students and has helped train future musicians and instructors.

Please contact Anne Mc Causland, Program Director, 269-983-3304, ext. 2 or AnneMcCausland@BerrienCommunity.org, for more information about the scholarships listed below. Applications will be available again in early February 2010

DRS. JOHN E.N. and Dede Howard Endowed Music Scholarships for Lake Michigan College:  These scholarships are for outstanding students studying instrumental music at Lake Michigan College and handled by that music department. 

Carol A. Oehlhaffen Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship: This scholarship awards students involved in TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds), the Berrien Community Foundation’s youth advisory committee. This scholarship is given to TEAM members who, like Carol Oehlhaffen, exemplify the values of philanthropy, leadership, and volunteerism.

2009 Carol A. Oehlhaffen Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship recipients (l to r)

Derrick Atkins, Michael Smiy, Megan Polfus, and Chase Cundiff

SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Through the generosity of anonymous donors, additional scholarships are provided to students who applied under the Foundation's various scholarship programs.

State Rep. John Proos, Dr. Nanette Keiser, BCF President, & Dr. Robert Harrison,

Lake Michigan College President at the recent Scholarship Celebration

Pictures provided by Richard Hellyer, The f-Stops Here

No new scholarship funds are being accepted at this time. However, there are several ways to

assist youth by providing grants to nonprofit organizations that have youth programs.

For more information, contact

Nanette Keiser, Ed.D., President

269-983-3486 or NanetteKeiser@BerrienCommunity.org