7/15/04

Rotary Club of South Haven Establishes LMC Scholarship
Applicants Sought for the Upcoming Fall Semester

Photo cutline: Steven Goforth, president of the Rotary Club of South Haven presents Janice Varney, executive dean of Lake Michigan College's South Haven Campus, with a check from proceeds of the Club's benefit auction held in May to establish the Rotary Club of South Haven Scholarship. Applications are being accepted now for scholarship awards to be made for the fall 2004 semester.

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - The Rotary Club of South Haven has established a new scholarship for South Haven area residents who plan to attend Lake Michigan College. The Club sponsored a benefit auction in May that raised nearly $9,000, surpassing their original goal of $3,500. A portion of those funds will be available for multiple scholarship awards this fall semester ranging in amounts up to $1,000 based on financial need and the number of credit hours taken.

The remainder of the auction proceeds is being used to establish an endowed scholarship that will be funded through future auction fundraisers.

"We were extremely pleased with our efforts to raise scholarship money for South Haven, Bangor, and Covert residents," stated Steven Goforth, president of the Rotary Club of South Haven. "It was really a team effort by the College, our Rotarians and many local businesses and individuals who so graciously donated their time, merchandise or services to the silent auction effort."

As part of the College's Fulfill the Dream campaign, this scholarship fund qualifies for the Whirlpool Foundation Challenge Grant that will add up to $25,000 in matching funds to the endowed fund.

"We are appreciative for this overwhelming show of support from the Rotary Club of South Haven," stated Janice Varney, executive dean of LMC's South Haven Campus. "This partnership will create a lasting opportunity for students in the area to experience a high quality education close to home."

The Rotary Club of South Haven Scholarship is open to residents of the South Haven, Bangor and Covert school districts who are current or new LMC students and demonstrate financial need. It is open to recent high school graduates as well as non-traditional adult students. Students may have either full- or part-time status and must have a declared academic goal. Students need to have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average for eligibility and/or renewal.

LMC is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2004-2005 academic year. The priority deadline for applications is August 2. Students should apply by this deadline to receive full consideration, however, applications will continue to be accepted after that date based on the availability of the scholarship. For information, contact the LMC Financial Aid office at (800) 252-1562 ext. 8112.