Explore and Apply for Scholarships
Fall 2025 Scholarship applications accepted April 7-June 29, 2025
How do I increase my success in getting a scholarship?
- Completely answer all essay questions
- Utilize resources; Writing center in the Kirtland Library, reach out to Kirtland Foundation with questions
- Submit two letters of recommendation; they can be from professional, school or personal contacts
- Complete the application; don’t simply start it, but finish it too
APPLY HERE >> Scholarship application
Health Sciences Scholarships
Donor(s): Terrence and Charlotte Bloomquist
Eligibility: Full and/or part-time students in the nursing program who are residents of Crawford or Roscommon counties with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
This scholarship is being established by a generous donation provided by Terrence and Charlotte Bloomquist in loving memory of Catherine I. Barratt/Bloomquist who was a Grayling resident and nurse at Grayling Mercy Hospital. She is the loving mother of Michael Bloomquist and Laura Bloomquist McMaster.
Terrence and Charlotte Bloomquist, both have long-standing relationships with Crawford County and specifically the City of Grayling. Terrence has been a resident of Grayling since 1973 and a practicing attorney in the community serving the needs of clients in and out of the courtroom. He has also been deeply involved in local community affairs. Charlotte has been a resident of Grayling for many years, working in and volunteering in the community in many different venues: substitute teacher, Girl Scout leader, Committee Member-Fish Hatchery, AuSable Artisan Gallery, GRACE Center, Christian Help Center Food Pantry, and for many years owner/operator of a small boutique deli/wine shop, known as The Bloomin’ Grape.
Donor(s): Lindsey and Kim Levine (Rancho Palos Verde, CA) and Ron Beyer
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in nursing or automotive technology programs.
This scholarship is established by Lindsey and Kimberly Levine in honor of Kimberly’s parents, Ron and the late Sharon Beyer. Sharon was a nurse and Ron worked for Chevrolet for 33 years. Sharon was enrolled in a three-year program that included both classes and practical experience in a hospital associated with Mercy School of Nursing. She lived in a dormitory with other nursing students and graduated in June 1959. She worked in several hospitals, mostly with newborns, and later in her career worked in mental health including geriatric mental health.
Ron started in the mailroom at General Motors after leaving the Navy (submarine service) in March 1960. He worked his way up from a draftsman to a graphics designer. He loves cars and would have made a great mechanical engineer except that his family did not have the money to put him through college. He eventually received his associate’s degree using his GI Bill® Benefits in graphic arts and photography.
Donor(s): Robert and Fay Bovee
Eligibility: Residents in the KCC District. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher. Financial need is not a requirement but may be considered during selection.
Robert Bovee lived in Grayling, he passed away in 2009 at the age of 82. In 1966 Bovee was one of the first six board members to help determine the direction of Kirtland after a vote passed to establish the two-year college. He was known as a strong advocate for students, foremost maintaining the stance that the college should provide affordable education opportunities to local students. When Fay Bovee was asked of her husband’s bond with Kirtland throughout his long career she said “See, he liked kids. He liked young people it’s something he likes to do. He believed in young people.”
Donor(s): Chris and Marcy Bowman (Grayling)
Eligibility: Nursing students at Kirtland Community College.
Donor(s): Friends and associates of Dr. Fryfogle
Eligibility: Associate Degree Nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their core courses and a minimum GPA of 2.5 for all other courses. KCC district residency required.
This fund was set up in memory of Dr. James D. Fryfogle, a nationally known thoracic surgeon who retired to his residence on Higgins Lake in 1986. Contributions to the fund were made by friends and associates of Dr. Fryfogle and by the W.D. Fryfogle Research Library. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for students of Kirtland’s nursing program who reside in the college district.
Donor(s): Karl and Mary Gottleber
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in health sciences and automated process controls programs.
Karl Gottleber was born March 1, 1939, in Flint Michigan, son of Harry and Natalie Gottleber. He graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1957. Following high school, he attended Flint Junior College. In 1960, Karl enlisted in the United States Air Force serving 4 years. Karl completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1967 at Western Michigan University. His career in Electrical Engineering began in 1967 at Dow Chemical Company in Midland. His years with Dow included fourteen years in Dow’s Riverside Plant in Pevely, Missouri first as Maintenance and Engineering Superintendent and later as superintendent of the Tyril plant. Returning to Michigan in 1983, he was involved in the Global MSMS project for computerizing purchasing and inventory for Dow. He retired as a Dow consultant in 1995.
Mary Gottleber was born September 12, 1943, in Highland Park, Michigan, and is the daughter of the late Lawson F. and Anne L. Chambers of Rose City who established a scholarship at Kirtland in 1993. She grew up in Rose City and graduated from Rose City High School in 1961. Her college years were at Central Michigan University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965. Mary’s career in education began in 1967 following two years in social work. She later completed a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Saginaw Valley State University. She spent 30 years teaching in the primary grades retiring from Bangor Township Schools in 1998.
Karl and Mary were married in 1966 in West Branch, Michigan. They have a son, Eric, who lives in Midland, Michigan. Their retirement years brought them to Houghton Lake where they spend six months in Michigan and then escape to the Florida sunshine for the winter.
Karl and Mary have been very interested in Kirtland Community College because of Mary’s parent’s scholarship there. After learning of the vision of Kirtland, their recognition of the needs of the communities they serve and the needs of the students as well, the college’s desire to develop programs to meet both these needs sparked their interest. Their desire to be a part of Kirtland’s mission and to give back to their community is their motivation for establishing the scholarship.
Donor(s): Family and friends of Patricia Hill
Eligibility: Students enrolled in Nursing programs with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Residing in-district with a preference to students residing in Crawford County who are single parents or married with children. Students must be enrolled half-time for the semester.
Pat Hill attended the Providence School of Nursing and obtained her nursing degree in 1973. She worked at Sinai for a year before moving north to the Grayling area where she began a 30+ year career at Mercy Hospital. Her love of people didn’t end there as she continued to work another five years at the West Branch Regional Medical Center. Patricia Hill passed away in 2008 due to a reaction to a flu shot. She is proudly survived by her children Jim and Patty.
Donor(s): Bethany Ann Hubbard
Eligibility: Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship, awarded each fall semester to one student in the KCC nursing program with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Amount of scholarship is $1,000 annually.
“Beth had a profound influence on my nursing career” or “I wouldn’t be a nurse, if it wasn’t for your mother”.
“It’s been hard to come to terms with the loss of mom. She was an absolute blessing to us all. She was the matriarch of our family and worked tirelessly to make sure that we were all “OK”.
“We have been personally moved by so many wonderful stores of the innumerable ways that mom established roots in and served the local community.
“Mom cherished her role as the Director of Nursing here at Kirtland. We’re not sure she fully understood just how many lives she’s positively affected. There are hundreds of nurses working in and around Northern Michigan who graduated from her program. An exponential level of compassionate caregiving that begins every day when one of her former students starts their workday.
“It is in honor that our family is proud to seed: The “Bethany Ann Hubbard Memorial Scholarship”.
“Establishing this scholarship is the most profound way to honor her relentless caring, and her ceaseless dedication to the nursing profession for future caregivers for generations to come.”
—David Laurence Hubbard, Jr.
“We are so thankful for the establishment of the Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will allow students to continue their education in the nursing field for years to come”.
–Heather Appold
“Beth was an absolute asset to the Grayling Community and now her legacy will live on with the Bethany Ann Hubbard Scholarship. Her contributions are still impacting the local community”.
–Sheryl A. Coyne, Kirtland Foundation Board Member
Donor(s): Jody & Tom Kinney and The Morley Family Foundation
Eligibility: Any full and/or part-time Kirtland student enrolled in the nursing program who displays financial need.
Donor(s): Jenny H. Krauss and Otto F. Krauss Charitable Foundation Trust
Eligibility: This scholarship is a competitive award that will provide each awarded student up to $1,000 per semester to cover tuition, books, and other expenses.
Otto F. Krauss was born on January 7, 1908, in Pforzheim, Germany, and immigrated to the United States in 1928. Otto worked as a tool and die maker for Eclipse Aviation, Bendix, and Lionel in New Jersey. He worked in various engineering and corporate management positions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Galesburg, Illinois, Waukegan, Illinois, and St. Joseph, Michigan.
After his retirement from Whirlpool in St. Joseph, he considered moving to Higgins Lake and teaching part-time for Kirtland Community College. Instead, he enrolled at Michigan State University where he obtained Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate Degrees. He became a researcher in the engineering department at MSU, devoting most of his time to the study of alternate forms of producing electrical energy. He was a firm believer in excellence in education. Dr. Krauss passed away on December 3, 2001, at the age of 93.
Donor(s): The Estate of Herbert and Evelyn Miller
Eligibility: Nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their core courses and a minimum of 2.5 GPA for all other courses. Residency must be in the KCC district with preference given to Oscoda County students.
Herbert and Evelyn Miller, who lived near Mio during the 1950’s and ‘60’s remained frequent visitors for many years afterward. The couple had a soft spot in their hearts for the north and Kirtland in particular. Herbert was a man of many trades and an entrepreneur. He developed the Lost Creek Sky Ranch in Luzerne and a few months later built the Lost Creek airport. Evelyn was a registered nurse and later worked as an anesthetist in Detroit. The Millers’ sizeable donation was given with the intent that the funds be used towards scholarships.
Donor(s): Northern Family Dentistry (Roscommon)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in any Health Professions program at Kirtland Community College.
Karrie Williams of Northern Family Dentistry: “The reason I decided to create the Northern Family Dentistry Scholarship was to help others pursue their goal of working in a healthcare field. As a general dentist, I have the opportunity to provide valuable dental care to many patients, and I have witnessed how much of an impact this can have on someone’s well-being. I am happy to be able to support another who also wants to have a positive effect on others’ lives and well-being.”
Donor(s): Bob E. Stewart
Eligibility: Provides up to $1,000 annually to Surgical Technology students at Kirtland Community College.
This scholarship was established in 2019 by Bob E. Stewart in memory of Tera Price, CST who was a graduate of the Kirtland Community College Surgical Technology Program, and a CST at MidMichigan Medical Center Midland. Tera bravely fought but lost her battle with cancer in 2019. It was Tera’s dream to become a surgical technologist and this scholarship shares that excitement for the profession.
Donor(s): Keith Rich Trust
Eligibility: Students majoring in nursing or other medically related programs at Kirtland. Applicants or their parents/guardians must be residents of Lyon Township, Roscommon County, Michigan. Preference is given to new students.
This trust was established by Mr. Rich in 1982 and became active upon his death in 1985. The purpose of the trust is to provide financial assistance for nursing or medical students.
Donor(s): Estate of Marguerite D. Wiltse
Eligibility: Students from Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon counties pursuing nursing and who show financial need.
Ms. Wiltse willed a portion of her estate proceeds to Kirtland to be used for scholarships. Marguerite was especially interested in the field of nursing and for the students who reside in the C.O.O.R. counties. It was her purpose and desire to award the scholarships to those who would not be able to attend school without it.
Donor(s): Woods Family
Eligibility: Established in 2021 by Sandra Woods, BSN, MSA in memory of her father, Leo G. Ralph, to support future RNs.
Sandra Woods wanted to be a nurse from the age of 5. She would even dress up in a nursing costume for Halloween. Sandra’s father, Leo G. Ralph was in the pre-med program at Wayne State University, in hopes to attend medical school. Then WW II halted those dreams, and he left school to work for a company that made parts needed to manufacture tanks. Sandra considered medical school, however, she decided her true calling was to become a nurse. Her father was her champion and biggest supporter.
As the population is aging, the need for nurses is ever increasing. Nursing students can be confident that there will be very fulfilling careers waiting for them when they graduate. Sandra had a very rewarding, 45+ year career in a variety of nursing roles, and never regretted her decision.
Automotive Technology, Trades
and Wood Sciences Scholarships
Donor(s): Lindsey and Kim Levine (Rancho Palos Verde, CA) and Ron Beyer
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in nursing or automotive technology programs.
This scholarship was established by Lindsey and Kimberly Levine in honor of Kimberly’s parents, Ron and the late Sharon Beyer. Sharon was a nurse and Ron worked for Chevrolet for 33 years. Sharon was enrolled in a three-year program that included both classes and practical experience in a hospital associated with Mercy School of Nursing. She lived in a dormitory with other nursing students and graduated in June 1959. She worked in several hospitals, mostly with newborns, and later in her career worked in mental health including geriatric mental health. Ron started in the mailroom at General Motors after leaving the Navy (submarine service) in March 1960. He worked his way up from a draftsman to a graphics designer. He loves cars and would have made a great mechanical engineer except that his family did not have the money to put him through college. He eventually received his associate’s degree using his GI Bill® Benefits in graphic arts and photography.
Donor(s): Chris and Marcy Bowman (Grayling)
Eligibility: Automotive Technology students at Kirtland Community College
Donor(s): Courtney Ryan
Eligibility: Awarded to women pursuing education in a Skilled Trades or Leadership program. The broad category of “skilled trades” includes, but is not limited to, Mechatronics, Welding, Electrical, HVAC, Automotive, Robotics, Engineering, Forestry, Wood Science, and Leadership.
The DEW Scholarship will initially award two $500.00 scholarships per year, for five years, with the intention of becoming invested to continue diversity and equality into the future.
Donor(s): Feeny Ford of Grayling
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in the Automotive Technology program at Kirtland Community College.
Shawn Abraham, General Manager of Feeny Ford: “With the shortage of technicians, we’ve adopted the mindset to grow our own technicians and feel the partnership with Kirtland will only help us grow in the future.”
Donor(s): Fick & Sons (Grayling)
Eligibility: Automotive technology students at Kirtland Community College.
“Fick & Sons realizes the importance of postsecondary education, and we recognize the need for students to have access to a quality education. We would like to offer a scholarship in the Automotive Technology Program to students who live in the KCC area.”
Donor(s): Hart Ford (Roscommon)
Eligibility: Students from Crawford, Oscoda, Ogemaw, or Roscommon counties enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program at KCC.
Donor(s): Hees Family Foundation
Eligibility: Kirtland student enrolled in the Wood Science Technology program.
This scholarship was established by the Hees Family who have been involved in wood products manufacturing in Grayling since 1981. Currently operating Monarch Millwork, they hope to see the partnership with Kirtland inspire people to learn about and participate in the wood industry
Donor(s): Jim’s Collision (Roscommon)
Eligibility: Kirtland Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program who live in the KCC district.
Established in 2019 by Jim’s Collision in Roscommon to help create the best new technicians in all aspects of automotive repair and to provide students with the knowledge required to start a career in today’s automotive industry.
Donor(s): Matt and Christine LaFontaine
Eligibility: For students enrolled in an Automotive Technology program with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
Matt and Christine LaFontaine are current owners of Matt LaFontaine Automotive Group established in May of 2016 and consists of three locations. Matt LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC in Grayling, Matt LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Grayling, and a third location, Matt LaFontaine Ford in Charlevoix.
“Being a part of helping others in partnership with Kirtland Community College is an opportunity that makes us very proud, especially in the field of skilled trades. We both know this is one of the most rewarding sectors in the United States and the programs that Kirtland has committed to are some of the best in the country and we are very excited to watch this grow.”
“We are committed to higher learning and have a passion for preserving one of the most important fields, skilled trades. Our country as we know it today was built by men and women in skilled trades, and we believe now more than ever the next generation of men and women will help us continue to innovate for our future. We are committed to Kirtland’s success and as we strive to do each and every day in our dealerships – Make it Great and Make it Matter”.
Donor(s): Jim Porath of Porath Construction
Eligibility: Deserving students enrolled in a Skilled Trades program.
Donor(s): Roscommon-Higgins Lake Lions Club
Eligibility: Students who graduated from Roscommon High School attending Kirtland will receive first consideration for the scholarship. Any full and/or part-time student enrolled in one of the following programs: Auto technology, wood sciences, HVAC-R, welding & fabricating, electrician, cyber security, information technology, industrial automation & controls technology or cosmetology.
Donor(s): Ed S. Harris (Gaylord)
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in the KCC Michigan Forest Products Institute and Wood Science Technology Program and/or related wood programs.
Edward George Rothe was born on September 16, 1914 in Rolla, Mo., son of Paul and Tilly Rothe. Until the age of 10, the family lived in several locations in the Midwest, finally settling in Pellston. Edward attended Pellston schools and graduated from Pellston High School in 1933. After high school, Edward worked at the family grist mill and later joined the CCC logging camps in L’Anse and Barago in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater. During WWII, Edward sent home money to purchase 80 acres on the Maple River, where his family later enjoyed spending time. He served his country with distinction and was a recipient of the Bronze Star. He also received three battle stars and four campaign ribbons. In 1997, the government of France awarded Edward the Jubilee medal for the liberation of Normandy. After his service in World War II, Edward went to work in Alaska for Arctic Contractors helping to construct the Defense Early Warning System.
The long-time resident of Bois Blanc Island will be remembered as the state’s only DNR officer for the island. He served the DNR in many capacities during his 32 years of service which included many hours in the forests of Northern Michigan. He had a great love of nature and had a great passion for fishing, hunting, trapping as well as cutting and tapping maple trees. He also enjoyed wood carving, painting, and reading and collecting books.
During his job with the state, Edward’s friendship with Marquita flourished. Marquita was born in Pellston and graduated with Edward in 1933, but went their separate ways. Marquita was widowed in later years with two young children. At 45, the couple reunited and spoke their wedding vows. They owned and operated “The Birch Shop” restaurant and gift shop on Bois Blanc Island for 20 years.
In 2019, Ed Harris, stepson of Edward G. and son of Marquita L. Rothe, created the Edward G. and Marquita L. Rothe Endowed Scholarship Fund in memory of their generosity, support, guidance, values, education, and love in helping Ed to be all that he could be.
With their love of nature, enjoyment of the out-of-doors and renewable resources it’s an easy choice to present this endowed scholarship fund to KCC Michigan Forest Products Institute, Wood Science Technology and related wood programs for students to pursue their career goals.
Donor(s): Seidell Architects (Grayling)
Eligibility: Students who are enrolled in KCC construction trade programs.
“Our companies are in need of trained and educated people to fill available jobs in our local communities. That is why we decided to do this scholarship, to help students get the financial support they need to get jobs and fulfill their dreams.”
Donor(s): Ron and Wini Sharpe
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a Skilled Trades program who reside in Grayling or Roscommon.
Ron and Wini Sharpe are longtime employees of Kirtland Community College.
“Wini and I are very happy with the life we live and Kirtland has been a big part of that. We both grew up in great families that struggled financially and our hope is that this donation helps students along the way in achieving their goals. The one quote that comes to mind that describes our thoughts is from Winston Churchill:
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Donor(s): Alro Steel and the Alro Steel Foundation
Eligibility: Any full and/or part-time student at Kirtland enrolled in the Welding and Fabrication Program.
Veteran Scholarships
Donor(s): Patrons of Goodale’s Bakery and Numerous Veteran Supporters
Eligibility: This scholarship is open to all veterans at KCC enrolled in any program of study.
The mission of the Veterans Helping Veterans Scholarship Fund at Kirtland Community College is to assist veterans from all areas of the military to pursue the education and training for them to get good paying jobs and careers.
Science Scholarships
Donor(s): Kirtland employees, friends and family of Donald Fenton
Eligibility: Sophomore students enrolled at least half-time, cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and planning to transfer to university/college for a degree in environmental science or teaching of science.
Donald Fenton was born in Merrill, Wisconsin. He moved to Roscommon in 1966 after receiving his Master’s degree from Central Michigan University. Don married Patricia Gaines in 1977 and worked as an instructor of natural resources and chemistry at Kirtland for 30 years. He finished the last three years of his career at the Gerrish-Higgins schools before retiring in 2000. Mr. Fenton was a published author, avid outdoorsman, sports fan, artisan and crafter. He passed away in April 2005 and over the years more than $5000 has been contributed in memory of Don. The Donald Fenton Scholarship is one of the first memorial scholarships established and funded by Kirtland employees and friends/family.
Donor(s): Estate of Marguerite Gahagen
Eligibility: Students seeking an Associates in Science with a concentration on life sciences at Kirtland. They must have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to females who reside in Roscommon County with financial need.
Marguerite Gahagan was an early Michigan conservation journalist who founded The North Woods Call in 1953, following a career at The Detroit News. In 1959, Marguerite purchased ten wooded acres in Roscommon and moved herself and The Call to the site of today’s Gahagan Preserve. She was known as a hard-driving reporter who made weekly visits gathering the latest news from field stations of what was then the Michigan Conservation Department. The view from her cabin inspired her regular column “Pine Whispers” which chronicled the daily events of her woodland sanctuary. In 1969 she sold The Call to Glen Sheppard. On January 5, 2011, Mr. Sheppard passed, ending more than fifty years of Michigan’s first and most enduring conservation newspaper. When Marguerite passed in 1997, she gave her ten-acre property and her cabin home as a nature preserve. The property consists of mature pine forests, cedar swamps and the beginnings of Tank Creek, which feeds into the South Branch of the Au Sable River. The preserve is affiliated with the Roscommon Metropolitan Recreation Authority and includes another fifty acres, which were acquired later.
Donor(s): Sarge Harvey Ford Dealership
Eligibility: Awarded to students in recognition of academic performance in chemical science, with preferential treatment given to students pursuing a career in conservation or natural resources. Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher is required.
Cosmetology Scholarships
Donor(s): Chris and Marcy Bowman (Grayling)
Eligibility: Cosmetology students enrolled at Kirtland Community College.
Donor(s): Wayne Koppa (Grayling)
Eligibility: Cosmetology students enrolled at Kirtland Community College.
This scholarship is being established by a donation provided in memory of Helen, a lifelong cosmetologist. We don’t know where Helen is from as that she was found abandoned in a market basket in the back seat of a Buick Roadster with only a note identifying her as Helen Louise age 2 months 1 day, born July 27, 1929. There was not a single clue to her real identity.
The family took her in and raised her along with three sisters and four brothers. She graduated from High School in 1948 and graduated from the Pontiac Beauty School in 1949, working as a waitress to pay her way. She married and practiced cosmetology for the next 60 years.
During that time, she became a leader in her church and developed a reputation as a consummate volunteer. If you wanted something done, you went to Helen. If she couldn’t do it she would find someone that could and would. When her community of 15,000 residents decided to recognize their first Citizens of the Year, Helen was one of them. Throughout life, her family never lacked the income and ability to appreciate what they believed to be the finer things in life.
Cosmetology is a great profession that you can take anywhere. People, literally, around the world need your services. Work by yourself, with others, or someday have your own shop. When you look around Grayling you see many of our residents serving as cosmetologists, or have in the past. Several have owned and operated their own salon. One became a radio personality and a trainer in the hair care industry. Others went on to serve in governmental positions, to include Mayor of Grayling and elected office at the Township level.
Donor(s): Butch & Katie Ruppert
Eligibility: Preference given to an Osceola/Wexford/Missaukee County person in the Cosmetology program at Kirtland Community College. 2.0+ GPA, strong work ethic and/or work while taking classes and/or history of service to the community through school/church/other areas.
Donor(s): Hairdressers of Alpena
Eligibility: Students residing in Alpena County and going into cosmetology.
This scholarship is in memory of Michelle LaBonte who sadly passed away in December 2021 from COVID. Michelle was a hairdresser for 30 years, and she graduated from Kirtland Community College’s Cosmetology program. She lived most of her adult life in Alpena. She always was giggling and smiling, and we know this would bring a big smile to her face knowing that she’s helping someone from her home town attend the same beauty school that she went to many years ago.
Liberal Arts Scholarships
Donor(s): Carol Finke
Eligibility: Students pursuing creative writing and related studies at Kirtland Community College.
Gerry LaFemina, a former Kirtland Instructor, built the nation’s first associate degree in fine arts/creative writing at Kirtland Community College. He is a renowned writer in poetry and fiction circles.
Donor(s): Bill and Susie Marshall (Grayling)
Eligibility: KCC students from the Gaylord area who are enrolled in English.
David F. Schelter loved the written word, the proper use of the English language, and learning and using “big words.” He was an author, a radio talk-show host, and an English Instructor for the College of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. David was a teacher who expected his students to put forth their best effort. He was equally kind and caring about their personal well-being, and made himself available to anyone who needed his help. As a result, in 2017, he was honored as Faculty of the Year.
In the spring of 2017, David came home to Michigan to visit his father who was suffering from
Parkinson’s disease and dementia. It was a short visit, only a week or two. On Sunday of Memorial weekend David was sitting on the deck, wrapped in a flannel shirt and wearing shorts, frequently scooting his chair forward so the sun could warm his bare feet. He had a cup of coffee in his hand and was enjoying a good book when he suffered a fatal heart attack.
This scholarship was created by Bill and Susie Marshall of Gaylord in memory of Susie’s brother David. “If David was still with us, he would continue to help people to better their lives, in whatever way he was able. Through a scholarship in the English Department at Kirtland Community College, David’s desire to help others learn will live on” reflected Susie Marshall.
Police Academy Scholarships
Donor(s): Chris and Marcy Bowman (Grayling)
Eligibility: Police Academy students at Kirtland Community College
General Scholarships
Donor(s): Blarney Stone Broadcasting (Grayling)
Eligibility: Any full and/or part-time Kirtland student with a 2.0 GPA or higher.
Donor(s): Marcia Koppa (Grayling)
Eligibility: Any student enrolled in good standing at KCC.
Donald Bronson was born and lived in Owosso Michigan. The son of a sporting goods store owner, Don learned the value of hard work and possibilities from his father Robert. With a passion for motorcycle racing, Don excelled at timed motorcycle enduros, flat track, scrambles and drag racing.
Catching the eye of Dick Mann, a national motorcycle champion, he was offered the opportunity to race for Mann. However, Uncle Sam had another idea and called him to Vietnam. Don served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Missing that opportunity while overseas, Don took business correspondence courses to help his father in his growing store. By the time Don returned, the economy took a toll on the business and Don’s life took another turn. He became a heavy long haul and short haul truck driver.
During this time, he regularly helped individuals with their personal struggles. He held his belief in possibilities and hope. In later life he enjoyed photography, woodworking and his life mate Gisselle and Hercules, a rescue dog with an attitude for mischief.
While Don’s life was not one of scholastic achievement, it was of tenacity and overcoming personal challenges and the rewards that come from hard work. Don would hope this scholarship helps someone open a door to a profession that would support a lifestyle as fully as his own.
Donor(s): Matt & Mary Jo Buschbacher
Eligibility: Education benefits everyone, and we are working to reduce the financial barriers for those who wish to continue their education. Any full and/or part-time student at Kirtland with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Donor(s): The estate of Lawson F. and Anne L. Chambers
Eligibility: Residents of Rose City and Lupton, Michigan. Preference is given to new students.
The Lawson F. and Anne L. Chambers Scholarship was established in 1994 in honor of theChambers. They owned and operated the Ogemaw Telephone company in Rose City, Michigan from 1946 until 1968. During those 22 years, their company expanded throughout the region to provide rural telephone service to the communities of Lupton, Prescott, Sterling and Alger as well as Rose City.
In addition to transforming service from the simple party line system to today’s modern dial framework, they saw their customer base grown from 500 homes and businesses to well over 10,000 telephone subscribers.
Their privately-owned company was instrumental in the development of Northern Michigan and its business and tourism industries. In addition, their efforts helped enrich the lives of families with the entire area they served.
Donor(s): Pauline Cournyer (Mio)
Eligibility: Students from Mio enrolled in any program
Donor(s): Bill and Anne Curnalia (Roscommon)
Eligibility: Any student enrolled in good standing at KCC.
Donor(s): Ed S. Harris (Gaylord)
Eligibility: This scholarship is open to students seeking any professional, technical or certificate program of study. First preference will be given to students who have attended the Crooked Tree Center Alternative Education Program in Harbor Springs, MI with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrating financial need. Second preference will be given to students who have attended Harbor Springs High. Third preference will be given to Bay City / Auburn Public Schools. If no students apply meeting above criterion, financial need, GPA minimum 2.00 is applicable.
Ed S. Harris established an endowment in the name of his good friend and mentor Robert (Bob) Doan in appreciation for educational, employment and recreational opportunities received during the 1970’s and 1980’s through the Harbor Springs Community Schools and in particular, Bob Doan.
Donor(s): Stan Evers and Jill McKenna
Eligibility: Students pursuing a certificate or degree in a career program.
Supporting and encouraging students on their career path. Stan Evers, as the first faculty hired at KCC, was a founding member who also served in several administrative positions. Mr. Evers and his wife, Jill McKenna, are proud to provide this scholarship to help close the gap between college costs and other sources of student aid.
Donor(s): Charles and Kimberly Tinker
Eligibility: Full or part-time students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who have graduated from Grayling High School.
George and Nancy Gingerick were proud members of the Grayling community. They were especially appreciative of the excellent schools and hospitals that we all share. George proudly served our country in the service of the United States Marine Corps for 6 years and the Michigan National Guard for 16 years. George and Nancy both worked at and retired from MATES, Camp Grayling’s Mobilization and Training Equipment Site. He served as Commander of American Legion Post 106 and participated in the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots. Additionally, George stepped forward and participated in countless honor guard details recognizing the passing of fellow service members. George and Nancy traveled extensively, enjoyed NASCAR, golf, and Tiger Baseball. They believed in the power of hard work and later in life they owned The Ole Barn, now Tinkers Junction. George and Nancy appreciate helping out a student from their favorite High School and would wish you well. Remember the power of hard work. Friends of George’s would be remiss if we didn’t mention a few words that George frequently repeated: “Marines Lead The Way – Semper Fi”
Donor(s): Grayling Rotary
Eligibility: Full or part-time students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who have graduated from Grayling High School.
Tike and Sally Golnick are lifetime residents of Grayling. Sally is known for taking hundreds of meal reservations and delivery instructions, each year, for the community Thanksgiving dinner. Tike was best known as Command Sergeant Major for many years at Camp Grayling, Michigan. Tike served in the Korean War and was given the opportunity to separate from service but chose to join the National Guard at Camp Grayling at a very modest grade. He worked his way up through the ranks and in 1977 was instrumental in shaping the future of Camp Grayling. The installation had a military unit of only 55 personnel and requested authority to increase the unit size to 110 to better accommodate the needs of visiting troops. The headquarters in Lansing said that this would be impossible to recruit the numbers needed for that increase in Northern Michigan. Colonel Ed Rutkowski, Camp Commander, who was not a fan of Lansing expertise, deemed that they should have the opportunity to try. Staff Sergeant Golnick and Staff Sergeant McClain were assigned as unit recruiters and they went to work. The entire Camp Grayling unit worked in support and the goal was for everyone to bring one person in that would ultimately join. They tested the entire senior class of Grayling High School and many signed up. They missed their goal by only a few. Fifty new recruits were enlisted in less than thirty days. This had never been done before in the history of Michigan Army National Guard Recruiting and never repeated since. Lansing’s impossibility was quick work for Camp Grayling. Command Sergeant Major Golnick, as the top enlisted soldier, later presided over a Camp Grayling that grew to over 600 personnel. In appreciation for the service of Tike and Sally to Camp Grayling, and our community, we dedicate this scholarship in their name.
Eligibility: Grayling High School seniors.
Established by the Grayling Chamber of Commerce, this scholarship is intended for graduating Grayling High School seniors who are planning to attend Kirtland Community College in the fall following their graduation. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA and have completed the minimum community service hours required by Grayling High School to graduate and are planning to enroll at Kirtland Community College in the fall of their graduating year.
Donor(s): Wayne Koppa and Friends
Eligibility: Grayling High School (GHS) graduates attending Kirtland will receive first consideration for the scholarship. If no GHS student application is received other Kirtland student applicants will be considered. The financial need of student applicant will be considered in the award of this scholarship.
Donor(s): Grayling Rotary
Eligibility: Full or part-time students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who have graduated from Grayling High School.
Who Serves Best – Profits Most
This scholarship is provided in honor of Paul Harris, who in 1905 started the largest volunteer service organization in the world. 1.2 million people belong to 32,000 community-based clubs under the banner of Rotary International. These clubs work on local and global projects. From scholarships, assistance to community not-for-profits, to the worldwide fight for clean water and the elimination of Polio, Rotary is there. Paul Harris had the foresight to establish groups of business professionals with common goals of service to their communities and the public as a whole. It quickly caught on and spread around the globe. This scholarship is established in appreciation for his fine work and the continued efforts of Rotarians here and worldwide. Perhaps you as a student will be one of us someday.
Donor(s): Ed and Cathy Hunt
Eligibility: Deserving students in the Cross-country program and Graphic Arts program at Kirtland Community College.
Donor(s): Ingleson Family and friends
Eligibility: Deserving students who are attending KCC.
The William Ingleson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2006 by former co-workers, students, friends and family to honor William Ingleson, a longtime administrator and employee at Kirtland Community College. William held administrative positions, including dean of students at KCC for 27 years, retiring in 1995.
He owned Ace Hardware in Roscommon for 13 years, was an agent for New York Life Insurance Company and managed the North Central Area Credit Union in Roscommon. At age 60, he returned to college to complete his master’s degree.
Donor(s): Biermann Family
Eligibility: Any Kirtland student in the IT or cyber security program.
Donor(s): Integrity Construction Services and Catt Development
Eligibility: Any full and/or part-time student at Kirtland with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher.
Donor(s): Kirtland Biggby customers
Eligibility: Deserving students enrolled in Kirtland Community College.
The new Kirtland Biggby has established the Kirtland Biggby Scholarship Fund whereby in lieu of tips customers are being asked to contribute to this new scholarship to help our students.
Donations can be made with each purchase at the Kirtland Biggby site on campus in Grayling.
Scholarships dramatically allow more students to get the financial support they need after Pell Grants and other sources are applied for. This will make a major impact on recruiting students, retaining students and ensuring that they go forward into a new career. It will also reduce student debt which has become a national crisis.
Donor(s): General donationsEligibility: Deserving students who are attending KCC
Donor(s): Family and friends of Ron & Melanie Marino
Eligibility: Individuals seeking a degree or certificate on at least a half time basis. Students must also have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as financial need is a consideration. Employees or immediate family members of Weyerhaeuser Company shall receive first consideration.
The Ron and Melanie Memorial Scholarship was founded in 1997 as the result of a tragic car accident. Melanie was a part time instructor in the art department and Ron was employed by Weyerhaeuser. They had two teenage daughters, Carly and Holly and the girls went to live with Ron’s brother and his family. Friends and family of the Marino’s contributed over $900 to the cause and an additional $10,000 was given to the foundation on behalf of Ron and Melanie. It was agreed upon by Kirtland employees to use the money to create a scholarship and so they did.
Donor(s): Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation
Eligibility: Students residing in Lovells Township and/or Crawford County. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Established in memory of Bill Ross from Lovells, Michigan thanks to the generosity of his many friends and the Au Sable North Branch Area Foundation. Many people knew Bill for his love of the Au Sable River and his conservation efforts and it was felt that this scholarship was a perfect way to recognize him for all he did for people in the area.
Donor(s): Seib Estate
Eligibility: Deserving students who are attending Kirtland Community College.
Donor(s): Michael & Bonnie Stephan
Eligibility: Eligibility- Any full and/or part-time student at Kirtland with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher who is faced with life or financial challenges.
Donor(s): Mike and Kathy Wahl (St. Helen)
Eligibility: Students who live in the KCC District who have at least 30 credits, are at least 30 years old and have a 3.0 GPA or better
Established by Mike and Kathy Wahl of St. Helen in 2019, this scholarship supports non-traditional Kirtland Community College students.
Donor(s): Wayne Koppa, Gunders Zalkalns and Rasma Karklins
Eligibility: Grayling High School graduates.
Established in 2020 by U.S. Army Colonel (Ret) Wayne Koppa, commander of Camp Grayling from 1989 to 1994. This scholarship is funded through a generous donation by Gundars Zalkalns, a retired U.S. Army officer and former National Security Officer for the country of Latvia, and Rasma Karklins, a retired professor from the University of Illinois and former member of the Latvian Parliament.
Gundar and Rasma developed a relationship with Grayling because of the State Partnership Program between the Michigan National Guard and Latvia originating in 1993.
The Michigan National Guard established a Military Liaison Team (MLT) in Latvia with a uniformed presence prior to the departure of the Russian military following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Michigan National Guard coordinated exchanges of Latvian groups to the United States to train and learn beside their American military counterparts. Relationships between US and Latvian personnel developed to the degree that Latvian children on several occasions spent a school year attending Grayling High School.
Gundars and Rasma were integral to the reemergence of Latvia as a part of the countries to the west and not the east. Most important, in part due to this relationship, Latvia is now a member of NATO and the European Union.
