As a Michigan-based organization, we challenge ourselves to look for opportunities to support growth in our state. We do this by helping small businesses, donating to local nonprofits, and giving back to students through our scholarship program. This year, in partnership with Cleary University, the Lake Trust Foundation offered five full-tuition Michigan Impact Scholarships to individuals who are interested in supporting the growth of Michigan’s economy.
The scholarship funds could be used for any on-campus or online program at Cleary University. This included both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. We asked applicants to share how they planned to work in the state and make a difference in the community after graduation. Today we’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2020 Michigan Impact Scholarship.
Kennedy Connolly: Strategic Leadership
As a new homeowner, Kennedy Connolly was nervous about the financial impact of going back to school. She wanted to further her education but was worried that she would have to delay her plans as she saved for tuition. She was delighted to hear that she had won a 3-year, full-tuition scholarship to Cleary University to complete her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership. Upon completion of her degree, she hopes to move into a consulting role within the clean energy industry.
Kennedy explains the impact the scholarship will have on her life: “The Michigan Impact Scholarship will help to relieve the financial burden that pursuing higher education can be. It will allow me to have complete focus on my education without worrying as much about finances. I am so grateful and can’t wait to see where this road takes me!”
Austin Farah: Digital Marketing
Austin Farah always knew that he wanted to go to college, but he didn’t want to graduate with unmanageable debt. He started a lawn care business to save up for the cost of attending a university and was ecstatic to hear that he had been awarded a full-tuition scholarship. He hopes to open his own marketing agency one day and use it as an opportunity to teach others about the industry.
“I am very fortunate to receive the Michigan Impact Scholarship. With this scholarship, I can get an education that will change my life forever! I am so thankful to receive this opportunity to pursue my dreams and goals at Cleary University,” says Austin.
Hunter Geisenhaver: Sports Management
As a current student at Cleary University, Hunter Geisenhaver is excited that he’ll have fewer student loans to worry about after graduation. He’s working on his bachelor’s degree right now and hopes to move into the sports promotion and management industry.
“The Michigan Impact Scholarship gives me the opportunity to forget about the stress of affording higher education. I can now focus on achieving academic success and being the best student I can be. I am excited for what the future holds for myself and for Lake Trust.”
James Bell: Economics
James Bell has his sights set on starting a business that will help people one day. He’s enjoyed living in the Howell area as a Cleary University student and thinks that it would be a great place to start his business. The Michigan Impact Scholarship will not only help James, but it will help his family who has been financially assisting him with the cost of school.
“In terms of what this scholarship will do for me, it will allow me to gain a level of education that may have otherwise been unobtainable to me. Lake Trust has allowed me to gain the knowledge that will assist me in establishing my own business in the future. For this, I am very grateful!” says James.
Brendyn Galloner: Business Management/Cybersecurity
Brendyn Galloner is going into his sophomore year at Cleary University as he studies for his bachelor’s degree. He’s interested in cybersecurity and hopes to move into that field after earning his degree in business management.
Brendyn expresses his thanks: “The Michigan Impact Scholarship will be a tremendous help in achieving my goals throughout my college career because it gives me a ‘financial safety net.’ This opportunity allows me to focus more on academics and athletics, rather than working full-time hoping to pay off my mounting student debt. It’s a great opportunity and I’m grateful to be a recipient of the scholarship and help me learn as much as possible at Cleary University. Thank you!”
A Big Congratulations
We hope that the Michigan Impact Scholarship makes a difference in the lives of each of our recipients. We look forward to seeing what each individual accomplishes and the difference that they make in their communities. Good luck with your future studies!