Kirtland and Hees Family Foundation Join Forces to Cement Educational Legacy
In a collaborative initiative, the Kirtland Foundation and the Hees Family Foundation jointly conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, officially dedicating the Kirtland Wood Science program facilities to the Hees family name. This selfless gesture underscores the Hees family’s steadfast commitment to bolstering the local and Northern Michigan wood industry, exemplifying a shared vision for sustainable growth and advancement in future students to come.
“The Kirtland Foundation is honored to celebrate with the Hees Family Foundation today to rename our Wood Science Lab,” said Kirtland Foundation Director Heather Appold. “With the generous donation from the family, Wood Science students will have the opportunity to receive a scholarship each fall to further their education. We are grateful for the Hees Family’s support of our students now and in the future.”
The Hees Family Foundation, a non-profit organization with a focus on educational scholarships and community donations, has a rich history deeply intertwined with wood products manufacturing in Grayling. Since the establishment of their first plant, Custom Forest Products, in 1981, the Springs Window Fashion acquisition in 2003, Michigan wood pellet in 2006, and Monarch Millwork in 1992 – where they still operate today – the Hees family plays a pivotal role in shaping the wood industry landscape in Grayling and the entire Northern Michigan region.
Mike Hees commented on the collaboration, stating, “Seeing our family name on the Kirtland Wood Sciences Lab fills me with immense pride and gratitude. This aligns perfectly with the mission of the Hees Family Foundation which is all about investing in education and innovation for the betterment of our local communities. With our name on this facility, we’re not just leaving a legacy we’re actively shaping the future of the industry that we love.”
The Hees Family’s generous donation and naming of the lab represents more than just a financial contribution; it is an enduring endowment aimed at creating a lasting legacy within the college. An integral component of the Hees Family Foundation’s commitment is the establishment of an annual scholarship program. Starting with at least one $1,000 scholarship per year, the foundation seeks to support and encourage aspiring wood science technology students. This initiative underscores their dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders in the wood industry.
“When an endowment is established it sets in motion financial support to Kirtland students for years to come. Over 80% of our students receive some type of financial aid,” said Appold. “When the Kirtland Foundation, with the support from generous donors, provide endowed scholarships we are helping to address financial burdens and allow students to focus on their education.”
The collaboration between the Kirtland Foundation and the Hees Family Foundation represents a shared vision for the future of education, community, and the wood industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is concluded with three generations of the Hees family touring the facilities they have ensured future students will have access too.
To learn more about the Hees Family Foundation, visit their website: https://www.heesfamilyfoundation.org/. And to see how you can get involved with the Kirtland Foundation, contact Heather Appold at 989-275-5000 Ext. 446 or visit https://www.kirtland.edu/foundation.
“As we look forward to the future this ceremony represents, we do so with humility and a profound sense of responsibility. This initiative is our way of acknowledging the industry that laid our foundation. By supporting education in wood science, we are planting seeds for a future that continues to respect, preserve, and innovate within the forest products industry for generations to come.” said Hees.
About Kirtland Community College
Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call 989-275-5000.
About the Kirtland Foundation
As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Kirtland Foundation raises money from private donors, local businesses, alumni and more, then allocates funds in the form of scholarships and grants to Kirtland Community College students and faculty and staff. https://www.kirtland.edu/foundation/
