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 2008, $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.

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

 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 2009 scholarship application period is now closed.

Applications were due March 9, 2009 (postmarked by a post office), no exceptions

2009 scholarship recipients were determined by the first week of May

Guidance offices were notified shortly after this.

2009 recipient names are now listed on this web page

Recipients will be informed by letter during late June 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 in early September

JEAN A. BARRICK SCHOLARSHIP:  This scholarship is given in loving memory of Jean A. Barrick, who passed away in May 1997 of cancer. Her values of compassion to people, honesty, hard work, and high achievement were instilled in her children as well as others. Her family believes she would want to continue her contributions by moving forward a Coloma High School student's higher education. Criteria, arranged in priority order, for this scholarship include:  2.5 or above GPA, Coloma 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 scholarship was awarded in 2005. 2009 Recipient:  Lauren Kniebes

Shirley and Ron Barrick with 2008 Recipient Edward Maloney (l to r)

EDNA BENDER SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Laura Sanchez

BRYCE BOOTHBY FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipients:  Carlos Mason (Benton Harbor); Rachel Kuehn (Lake Michigan Catholic)

DREWS SCHOLAR:  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). 2009 Recipient:  Sara Conrad

JAMESON MATTHEW GARGANO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Sara Conrad

THE HEART OF COOK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: 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 Recipients:  Eeshan Khanpara, Christina Nieh, Kai Peng, Samuel Range, Celia Zhang, Adam Ziolkowski

                                             Heart of Cook representative Leslie Rittenhouse with 2008 recipients Catherine Hurst,

                                                    Jeffrey Kruchkow, Brett Lewis, Lian Zhu , Sylwia Migas, and Ed Maloney (l to r)

jon jollay scholarship:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Lauren Kniebes

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 Lakeshore in 2009. 2009 Recipient:  Abram Whitehead

TERENCE JOSEPH MULVIHILL SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipients:  Kasse Kniola, Erika Piner, Troy Robertson

Carol A. Oehlhaffen lake michigan catholic scholar:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Sarah Copi

                                             2008 Lake Michigan Catholic Scholar recipient Brett Lewis, Carol Oehlhaffen, donor (l to r)

CORA B. PARKHURST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Leah Steinhauser

JUDITH e. PHILLIPI SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipients:  Kati Jennings, Shawn Lynch

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

by establishing the Judith E. Phillipi Scholarship

THE ARLENE B. PORRITT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR CURIOUS KIDS:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Maggie Patnoudes

Matthew Siemans (center with certificate) with the Porritt-Peirce family (l),

Dr. Jack Porritt (behind Matthew), and the Linforth family (r)

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 2009, it would be through December 2008), 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 2009. No 2009 Recipient

DON J. SAYAN/W. JACK & DR. NANETTE M. KEISER SCHOLARSHIP:  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 Coloma High School in 2009. 2009 Recipient:  Erica Bartholomew

WELCH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP-Benton Harbor & WELCH FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP-Lakeshore:  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. 2009 Recipients:  Patrice Brown (Benton Harbor); Abram Whitehead (Lakeshore)

(l to r) Fred Welch, 2008 recipients Jessica Schewe and Kerry Edwards, Sandy Welch

WAYNE K. WRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipient:  Lindsay Kurtz

College Level & Special Scholarships

The 2009 scholarship application period is now closed.

Applications were due March 9, 2009 (postmarked by a post office), no exceptions

2009 scholarship recipients were determined by the first week of May

Guidance offices were notified shortly after this.

2009 recipient names are now listed on this web page

Recipients will be informed by letter during late June on

what information they needed to supply to have the

Foundation provide the scholarship check to the college or university.

Checks are released to the college or university in early September

DUNN SCHOLARSHIP:  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 (with preference to those attending WMU in Berrien County) for tuition, books, fees, and other costs related to attending. The first scholarship was awarded in 2005. 2009 Recipients:  Jessica Laskowski, Jennifer Walton

DRS. JOHN E.N. & DEDE HOWARD INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP:  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. 2009 Recipients:  Alexandra Berndt, Mary Beth Huttlin, Emily Meskauskas, Jonathan Reed, Sara Sulecki

Donors Drs. John & Dede Howard (center) with 2008 recipients

Alexandra Berndt,  Kelly Hay, and Sara Sulecki

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 2009

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. Each year, faculty within the LMC Music Department provide scholarship recommendations to the Berrien Community Foundation. 

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 Recipient:  Derrick Atkins, Chase Cundiff, Megan Polfus, Michael Smiy

SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Through the generosity of anonymous donors, additional scholarships are provided to students who applied under the Foundation's various scholarship programs. 2009 Recipients:  Patrice Brown, Rhiannon Lyness, Carlos Mason, Jacob Richcreek

2008 Special Scholarship Recipient Kyndall McCoy, State Representative John Proos, and Bryce Boothby and

Welch Family Scholarships recipient Kerry Edwards at the Scholarship Reception (l to r)

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