Donations needed for 50 scholarships

widman@sanduskyregister.com

HURON TWP.

A group of BGSU Firelands alumni has nearly met its goal of collecting $25,000 to fund 50 new student scholarships.

In just two weeks, they've secured an impressive $24,400 in donations.

Now they're seeking one last surge of support from the local community, to commemorate the college's 50th anniversary. Individuals can donate to the effort until Feb. 29.

"This initiative has the potential to have a huge impact on our student body, and may be a deciding factor for some students to enroll in classes," said Patti Crawford, alumni affairs and development officer at BGSU Firelands.

Each year, an estimated 150 students who apply for scholarships from the college do not receive any assistance, Crawford said.

This effort aims to bridge that gap.

Ann Maschari, who graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1974, is spearheading the scholarship fundraising committee. She suggested the effort as a way to promote, celebrate and commemorate the 50th anniversary of BGSU Firelands.

While many of the milestone's celebrations focus on the past and present, this focuses on the future, she explained.

The 50 one-time scholarships, each worth $500, will be awarded to students later this year.

"Most of the committee attended classes at BGSU Firelands and recognize the value of it," Maschari said. "Every little bit helps."

Anyone who donates $500 will be paired with a scholarship recipient at a banquet during the 2016-17 school year.

In addition to Crawford and Maschari, the BGSU Firelands 50th anniversary scholarship committee's other members include: Stacey M. Hartley, senior director of development at BGSU Firelands; Marcus L. Harris, '09; Carl E. McGookey, '74; Deborah S. Miller, '74, '78; Jeanne C. Obrenovich, '74; Joel D. Rudinger, '60, '71; James A. Sennish, '78, '80, '90; and Cecil Weatherspoon Jr. '74.

Want to donate?

• For more information about the BGSU Firelands 50th anniversary scholarship initiative, contact Patti Crawford by calling 419-372-0706 or emailing pcrawfo@bgsu.edu.

• All donations are tax deductible.

• Individuals can also donate funds online at falconfunded.bgsu.edu/project/1218. 

Want to apply?

• Students interested in an 50th anniversary scholarship can apply using the college's online scholarship application form, sfa.bgsu.edu/sa/firelands.

• The deadline to apply is May 1.

Source: Donations needed for 50 scholarships