Foundation Scholarships

Lois & Art Anderson

While living, Art and Lois Anderson initiated the Anderson Funeral Home/Holiday Travel Scholarship endowment fund to honor the community that supported them and their local businesses. “Our community has been instrumental in our success and we wanted to share this gift educating others. We thought about creating a scholarship for a long time and feel honored we could make it happen through the Bay College Foundation.”  The Anderson's both passed in 2012 with memorial gifts adding to their scholarship legacy. They had 4 children (Chris, Kim, DeeDee, Keith) and 5 grandchildren attend Bay College.

Miriam & John Baribeau

Lifelong residents of Escanaba, John and Miriam Baribeau raised six children and owned Escanaba Steam Laundry, which is still owned and operated by the Baribeau family to this day. The Baribeau’s love for the community, as well as the educational opportunities that Bay College provides, led to the creation of the scholarship by the children of John and Miriam after their passing. Additionally, the scholarship specifies that the recipient must be a Delta County resident pursuing a nursing degree. This Preference was set forth in loving memory of John and Miriam’s beloved daughter, Jane Baribeau-Snow, who was a successful nurse in Lower Michigan whose life was tragically lost in an unsolved murder.  It is the wish of the Baribeau family to help nursing students in Delta County with educational opportunities that will benefit them, and their community, for a lifetime.

Jane Baribeau-Snow

Dr. Theodore Bash

Dr. Theodore Bash was a well-known physician in the Bark River, Michigan area for over 30 years. He and his wife, Joyce, raised three sons who all went on to further their education at Bay College to acquire a solid academic foundation before heading to a four year university.  The Theodore Bash Family Scholarship is based on academic merit and it is the wish of the Bash family that the recipient appreciates the solid academic foundation that Bay College provides to all students.

Molly Campbell (left), Bay College Faculty Association President and Scholarship Committee Chair, stands alongside Gabriela Boyle (middle) and Josie Schafer (right).  Gabriela and Josie were awarded the Bay College Faculty Association Scholarship for the Fall 2022 semester.

Full-time faculty members of the Michigan Education Association (MEA) at Bay College established the Faculty Association Scholarship to recognize both the academic achievement and the often unmet financial need of Bay College students.  The fund provides two student scholarships of $500 each per year that are awarded to current students who return to Bay College in the Fall semester. Faculty Association Scholarship Committee Chair, Molly Campbell, explained the purpose of this process. “The Faculty Association wanted to design a distinctive scholarship that would reward our wonderful current students who are still working hard to complete their degrees at Bay College. We are so proud of these students and all they have accomplished while at Bay, and we really want to ensure that they have the opportunity to stay and finish their Bay College degrees.”

Bay College Iron Mountain Campus

The Bay West Foundation Scholarship, established by the Iron Mountain Campus Foundation Board Members, supports students from Dickinso

Bill & Diane Bennett

Diane is a retired nursing instructor, teaching heath care courses at Bay College over a 29 year span, working in the field for 45 years, and a graduate of the first Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) class at Bay de Noc Community College. “Practicing healthcare and teaching nursing has been a very rewarding and enjoyable career. I feel I have been able to positively assist so many patients and students through the years” quoted Diane. Bill was also an educator, teaching middle school math for 36 years. Both are excited to give back to students who start their education a little later in life.

Henry & Mary “Mimi” Berry

Henry and Mary “Mimi” Berry both grew up in Michigan.  Mimi Walch Berry in Escanaba, where her family was invested in the community, and Henry Vanderhorst Berry in Kalamazoo.  They met at and graduated from the University of Michigan.  After Henry, a civil engineer, was recruited to help build Sky Harbor Airport, Mimi and Henry packed up their five children and moved from Kalamazoo to Phoenix in 1961, but maintained strong ties to their Michigan roots.

The Berry family has a proud legacy of supporting educational opportunities at Bay College.  Many years ago, Mimi’s parents, Dr. John and Mary Nee Walch, endowed a scholarship bearing their name.  Henry and Mimi continued this precedent inculcating the importance of continuing education in their children. To honor their parents’ lifelong commitment to supporting the power of education, the children of Henry and Mimi Berry (Mary, David, Margaret, John, and Christel) joyfully created the Mary Walch Berry and Henry V. Berry Scholarship at Bay College.

This scholarship was developed in 1986 under the name of Champion International (aka Quinnesec Mill) to assist students from Dickinson County pursuing a technical certificate or degree. Although the ownership of the mill has changed over the years, the Quinnesec Mill has continued to thrive as an economic anchor in Dickinson County currently employing hundreds of employees. The scholarship that was developed during the creation of the Quinnesec Mill continues to be awarded each year and has assisted many students on their educational journey.

John C. Bissell

Born in 1942, John was raised in Escanaba and graduated third in his class from Holy Name High School in 1959.  He continued his education at Georgetown University and graduated in 1963.  A modest human being with a genuine personality, John was known as a family man, a lover of his country and a hard worker. John volunteered for the Marine Corps where he served as an officer in Vietnam.  He gave up his commission to return to Escanaba to raise his siblings after the death of both of his parents. John managed the Trust Department for many years at First National Bank.  While working, John continued his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University in 1991.   He later moved his talents to First Bank’s Investment Management Group, retiring in 2015.

In his free time, John enjoyed reading, bird hunting, traveling and entertaining at his home with his wife, Carolyn.  He was actively involved in local organizations including St. Joseph’s Parish, Elks Club, Escanaba Country Club and many more. John passed away in 2021 at the age of 79.  Carolyn, a retiree of Bay College and strong supporter of education, established a scholarship at Bay College in his memory. 

Brother Felix

Brother Felix, a long time teacher at Holy Name Catholic School in Escanaba, had a vital impact on the lives of two former students so much that they started a scholarship in his memory.  Former Bay College employees, Ron Erickson (Dean of Business) and Jim Peterson (Dean of Student Services) established this scholarship to continue the kindness shown to them by Brother Felix.

Alice & Tom Butch

Tom and Alice Butch moved to Gladstone in 1967 for Tom to start practicing law. A few years later, Tom was appointed to the Bay College Board of Trustees in 1974 where he served 50 years.  He is the longest serving Bay College Trustee and the Bay College Library is named in his honor. Both lifelong volunteers, the Butch’s believe in the power of education and have a passion for supporting their local communities.

Arlene Carne

Will and Arlene Carne always had a passion for people and community. For 58 years they owned and operated Carne's gas and service station, now known as Carne's EcoFuels and Car Wash. They later added an additional station in Gladstone.

They both were raised in the Iron River area. Willard graduated from NMU and taught high school english for 15 years before purchasing the Standard Service Station in Escanaba. Will Sr was very involved in community and state boards, including serving 38 years on the Escanaba School Board. For decades, they served as a Delta County Ambassadors, always leaving a positive impression, sharing a hug and smile with everyone encountered.  The y cherished family and food, inviting many to their home for hospitality. They raised four children (Will Jr, Paul, Mark, Linda) whom reside in the Escanaba area.

Paul, Kim Carne & Family

Education has always been a high priority, and why Kim (Anderson) and Paul Carne started their family scholarship. Paul attended Bay before graduating from the University of MI and joining his family in the service station business, now EcoFuels. Kim took summer classes at Bay to expediate her engineering degree from Western MI University. She later earned an MBA and held several senior leadership positions with global engineering companies before returning to her home town. She taught marketing for LSSU and led Bay College's Advancement team before retiring in 2025.  Their three children (Paul Anders, Erika, Christer) took numerous Bay dual-enrollment and summer classes. "Giving back to education and supporting future students feels so right!"

Years ago, the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Bay College to host an annual Golf Outing in support of student scholarships. In 1988, the event saw an impressive turnout of 100 golfers! The hole-in-one prize that year was a brand-new car, generously sponsored by Edwards Chevrolet-Pontiac-Oldsmobile-Buick-Cadillac of Iron Mountain. Many local businesses and individuals came together to sponsor and support this community event.

Jane N. Empson

Jane Empson was a life-long resident of the Upper Peninsula, graduating from Gladstone High School in 1932.  Upon her graduation, she attended Northern State Teachers College.  After receiving her teaching degree, she taught 4th grade in Muskegon, Michigan.  Jane married Lewis Empson in 1940, and together they owned and operated Empson Insurance Agency.

Jane was very involved in her community, serving on the Gladstone School Board, OSF St. Francis Hospital Board, United Way, and the Gladstone Chamber of Commerce. Jane enjoyed teaching Sunday school, reading, playing bridge and traveling.  She was also an excellent golfer, scoring two hole-in-ones at the Gladstone Golf Course.  She was known for her caring, loving personality and her wonderful sense of humor.

Jane generously designated a gift in her estate establishing an endowed scholarship at Bay College to be awarded each year to an Upper Peninsula resident in the education field.  This gift will live on forever in her name to help students become educators.

Since its inception in 1922, the Escanaba Kiwanis Club’s vision is to positively impact Escanaba youth and empower the local community through service projects, fundraising activities and strategic partnerships. Years ago, the Escanaba Kiwanis Club established a scholarship to assist students in their higher educational journey at Bay College.  This scholarship is awarded each year to deserving students in the local community.

Janet & Robert Farrell

Robert and Janet Farrell were both employed at local businesses for many years in the Escanaba area.  Robert (more commonly known as Pat) passed away in January 2010, and Janet passed in March 2016.  The Farrells had a strong belief in giving back to the community and supporting higher education. The Robert and Janet Farrell Scholarship was established at the time of their passing to be awarded each year to a full-time, freshman Bay College student from Delta County. 

Don & Paddy Fitch

Don and Paddy each grew up in lower Michigan and met while they were attending the University of Michigan. They fell in love with the Upper Peninsula, in particular the Escanaba area. In 1962 they settled in Escanaba where Don co-launched Doctor's Park when he began practice as a family physician with is college friend Dr. Raymond Hockstad.  Don loved to care for his patients and never hesitated to care for anyone in need at any point in time or anywhere that care was needed. House calls, check-in’s well after hours, and first aid treatments in the field were not uncommon for Don as he truly cared about his patients and members of the community.

Meanwhile, Paddy worked as a speech therapist and immersed herself in the community serving on dozens of boards and local organizations. Together Don and Paddy worked tirelessly giving their time, talents, and treasure to deserving organizations throughout the area. They were both heavily involved in Scouting and appreciated the leadership skills it taught many young scouts. They were the founding partners who organized and launched the Northern Lights YMCA in Escanaba. Paddy served on the YMCA board since inception and spent much of her time teaching swim lessons and water aerobics.

Throughout their lifetime both personally and professionally, Don and Paddy promoted and modeled health through healthy eating habits and regular physical activity. Together they served in their church, played in the handbell choir, and worked with many local non-profit organizations to positively impact as many people in the community as they could. Don and Paddy recognized the integral part Bay College plays within the community and were thrilled to support the Bay College nursing program. Their hope is that Bay nursing students will carry on their ambition to positively affect as many members of the community as possible.

Gayle & Roman Gill

Gayle Ramseth Gill and Roman met in Rock, Michigan, married in 1959, and lived nearly all their married life in the Delta County area.  Roman taught Machine Shop, general science, and coached at the Escanaba High School for 24 years prior to retirement in 1990. He also instructed 8 years in Rock prior. The Gills were active community volunteers with Gayle giving over 2000 hours to the local hospital.

Together they raised two boys. Their son Robert is a 1984 graduate of Bay College and shared that it was an "incredible life-changing experience." Both Robert and brother Christopher enjoyed many Bay College basketball games during the 1970s.  The Gills established this scholarship to celebrate the importance Bay College plays in sustaining the local community through its varied educational offerings and as a tribute to the College's impact on their family.  They hope these funds will inspire future recipients to greatness and as servants to the broader Delta County area. 

Bill & JoAnn Good

Bill and JoAnn Good were lifelong residents of the Bark River area. JoAnn instructed in the nursing program at Bay College for 30+ years. Bill owned and operated the Good family dairy farm. They enjoyed life, family, golfing and wintering in Engelwood, Florida after retiring. The scholarship is in honor of JoAnn's nursing career and their passion to support nursing students.

Genean Granger

Genean was a life-long learner.  After graduating from Kingsford High School in 1961, she attended Bay College to obtain her ADN and Northern Michigan University (NMU) to obtain her BSN.  She returned to NMU to pursue her dream of writing poetry, and graduated with a Master’s Degree in English in 2014. Genean worked as a certified Occupational Health Nurse for Grede Foundries for 10 years and Niagara of Wisconsin Paper Corporation for nearly 19 years.  She enjoyed traveling to Honduras on medical missions.  Genean took pride in her job and loved the people she worked with. With her Master’s Degree in English, Genean found a second career in Poetry.  Through NMU and Sigma Tau Delta, she took first in Original Poetry in New Orleans and was the winner of the 90th Anniversary Convention Theme.  In December 2018, Genean’s book of poetry “American Bandstand, Slices of Life, and other Poems” was published. 

Genean passed away in 2019 at the age of 75.  This scholarship was developed in her memory to assist a single mom pursuing a nursing degree from Bay College.

Richard Haeusler

Richard Haeusler served as a biology and math professor at Bay College for over 30 years and was the chairman of the mathematics/science division of the college before retiring in June of 2000. His support and encouragement of current and former students continued throughout his life. This scholarship extends Richard Haeusler’s legacy and his devotion to students by providing financial support to individuals pursuing careers in science.

Margo & John Hebert

John graduated from Escanaba High School in 1964, attended the University of Michigan and is a 1968 graduate of Northern Michigan University. Margo graduated from Edmonds High School (Washington) in 1967, attended the University of Washington and is a 1972 graduate of Eastern Michigan University. John was a practicing CPA for 40 years and served in the US Army in Vietnam. Margo is an accredited interior designer. Over the years, John was involved in Rotary as President of the Detroit Club and was a director of a large industrial control distributor. John also served for many years on the NMU Foundation Board and has an established scholarship in the business school. Both John and Margo are presently involved in Leader Dogs for the Blind and EDK9, a new detection dog organization. The parents of both John and Margo had dedicated home healthcare in their later years. To honor those professionals, this scholarship was established to provide funding for a student in the home healthcare and/or nursing field.

Muriel & John Hebert

John and Muriel Hebert were born and raised in Escanaba graduating from Escanaba High School in 1938. Although neither were able to attend college, they placed a high value on education.  Each of their children, John, Bill and Mary were able to attend and graduate from college. They were married in 1944 during which time John served in the Coast Guard in World War II, spending most of his time in the South Pacific theater. Upon discharge, he returned to Escanaba and went to work at Sawyer Stoll Timber Company where he owned the company until his passing in 2013. Over the years, both John and Muriel were active members of First Methodist Church. In addition, John served for over 50 years as a Director of UP State Bank as well as many years on the Bay College Foundation Board. Muriel served as State President of PEO, a women’s educational organization. Early in Bay College's history, John and Muriel established a scholarship to benefit a student based on need. His children have continued to fund this scholarship annually.

Dr. John & Valerie Hickner

John was a family physician who served the Escanaba area community for 22 years before pursuing a career in academic medicine. He was vice chair of Family Medicine at the University of Chicago and chair of the family medicine departments at Cleveland Clinic and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Val was a tenured teacher in Michigan public schools where she worked as a speech therapist. She was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years and then returned to work for Delta County Head Start as a speech and language therapist. 
 
Together, Val and John placed a high value on education. They taught and modeled a strong work ethic and supported their children’s dreams. Their 5 children have successful careers; four have doctoral degrees. Michael is a professor of chemical engineering at Penn State University, Laura is a physician and works for Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Zach is an ophthalmologist in Kalamazoo, Anna is a clinical psychologist in New York City and Olivia is in library science.  Val and John returned to Escanaba in 2018 to retire and enjoy the beautiful UP.  They always considered Bay College an essential part of the Escanaba community. 

Carolyn Hietamaki

Carolyn Hietamaki first became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and continued her education to become a Registered Nurse (RN).  Carolyn was involved in the Local RN Staff Council, eventually becoming the Chairperson for 20+ years.  She served on numerous positions on the Michigan Nurses Association Board of Directors and was also active in local and regional labor councils.  Carolyn was proudly inducted into the Michigan Nurses Association Hall of Fame and the U.P. Labor Hall of Fame.

Carolyn passed away in 2019 at the age of 66.  She was known as a dedicated nurse, patient advocate and a great leader and mentor.  The RN Staff Council at Marquette General Hospital established a scholarship in her memory to assist nursing students from the Upper Peninsula that are making the transition from a LPN to a RN, much like Carolyn did many years ago. 

Naomi Hult

Naomi “Nehi” graduated with a Nursing Degree from Northwestern University and worked side-by-side with her husband, Dr. Otto Hult, in his practice for many years. She belonged to many service and professional organizations in the local community.  Every year, Nehi proudly served as a volunteer on the Bay College Golf Outing Committee. She especially enjoyed the day of the event - talking to golfers, selling 50/50 tickets and serving lunch. She became known at the Golf Outing for her big personality! Honoring her profession, Nehi established the Naomi Hult Nursing Scholarship to assist second year nursing students from the Delta County area. Nehi passed away in October 2015, but her legacy continues to live on as her generous scholarship supports local nursing students on their educational journey.

The Island Resort & Casino established a scholarship in 1998 to support the educational endeavors of Bay College students pursuing a higher education.  Preference in selection is given to Native American students from the Potawatomi tribe.

Bill & Kay Lake

The Bill and Kay Lake Scholarship was developed by Bill in 2016 after the passing of his wife, Kay. Bill has a strong passion for helping young people succeed and grow, and Kay shared the same values.

Bill and Kay Lake were married for 53 years before her passing. Kay was a public-school teacher, and after a 30-year career, Kay retired to stay home and raise their daughter, Caroline. Bill served in the Air Force until 1968, and finished his degree in education shortly after.  He was a teacher and administrator for 32 years, retiring as the Superintendent of Bark River-Harris School. He also served on the Bay College Board of Trustees for 12 years.

Dr. Dwight E. Link

Dr. Link served as the third President of Bay College from 1985 to 1997.  He was influential in the renaissance of a more balanced curriculum in Liberal Arts and Applied Technology.  During his Presidency, two important academic building were planned and completed. The Presidential Scholarship is designed to honor a student with an exemplary academic record.  Need may be considered; but the primary focus is a student’s learning achievements.

Patsy J. "Pat" Link

Pat had a special affinity for nursing students who begin their education as older adults.  She began her community college nursing program at 35 years old.  With four children and a husband, this decision was liberating and challenging.  In 1975, Pat graduated and passed her Board Exams and received her RN license. In 2006, this scholarship was established in her honor.  The students who are awarded this scholarship have decided to prepare for a health career.  Preference may be given if the scholarship applicant is a non-traditional student attending Bay College.

Barbara & Dave Nemacheck

Barbara Nemacheck graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee before moving to Escanaba. Barbara served on the Gladstone School Board for 16 years and was on the original Advisory Committee that was instrumental in developing the nursing program at Bay College. Barbara always had a passion for education.  Her husband, Dave, established a scholarship at Bay College in her name before her passing in 2012, and she was honored. Barbara and Dave shared 48 years of marriage and raised three children together. Dave passed away in August 2019, and his memorials were added to this scholarship fund.

Eudora Norelius

The Eudora Norelius Scholarship was developed from estate funds designated in her trust. 

Eudora Irene “Dode” Norelius, was born on May 27, 1930 and grew up on a up on a dairy farm in Barron, WI.  She moved to Escanaba with her husband Carston to start a chiropractic practice.  She worked in the office of local businesses, retiring from the City of Escanaba utility office in 1990.  She enjoyed golfing, painting, bowling, sports, worship, wintering in Yuma, AZ and music – playing the piano, organ, accordion, saxophone and guitar.  Dode passed in 2019.

This scholarship supports student success!

Howard Walter Olsen

Howard Walter Olsen was born in Escanaba, Michigan and graduated from Escanaba High School.  He was raised in the Bay View location of Gladstone, Michigan.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  After serving in the Army, Howard worked and retired from Holly Corporation. Howard enjoyed challenging projects and was creative in figuring out unique ways to solve problems. He was meticulous with rebuilding and modifying old, rusty vehicles, his pride and joy being his 1934 Chevrolet custom street rod.  Howard enjoyed attending UPIR stock car racing events, gardening and reading. Howard loved all animals, especially dogs.  He was known as a loving son, brother, uncle, companion and faithful friend. Howard passed away in 2013 at the age of 66. His loving companion, Carol M Ready, established a scholarship at Bay College in his memory. The scholarship is awarded each year to assist students on their educational journey with a focus on the environment.

Lyle Plowman

In 1956, Lyle relocated to Escanaba, Michigan, where he became the Director of the Delta County Welfare Agency, marking the beginning of his dedication to social service in the community. By the late 1960s, his passion for education led him to start teaching part-time at Bay College. His role soon expanded, and he eventually became a full-time instructor, ultimately leading the Sociology Department until his retirement in 1980. Even after retirement, Lyle’s commitment to education remained strong. He continued to share his expertise, teaching part-time at both Bay College and Northern Michigan University. He also extended his knowledge to diverse community settings, offering classes at Marquette State Prison, Gladstone Schools, and the Hannahville Indian Community. Lyle’s dedication to service was evident with his involvement in the Escanaba Kiwanis Club and his work with Habitat for Humanity, where he helped foster support to those in need.

Upon his passing, a scholarship was established at Bay College in his memory to support social work students pursuing a higher education. Lyle’s legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to education lives on through this scholarship, helping future generations of social workers carry forward his passion for helping others.

Mary & Richard Rinehart

It is not surprising that Dr. Richard Rinehart and his wife Mary chose to support Bay College students from the Upper Peninsula pursuing education or engineering through the Dr. Richard L. and Mary K. Rinehart Scholarship Fund.  Dr. Rinehart, the first President of Bay College, was talented, successful, and highly accomplished in both fields, and both Dick and Mary had a lifelong, unwavering commitment to education, and they had a deep love of the Upper Peninsula and Escanaba.  Their tireless support of the college is still felt to this day.

Dr. Rinehart attended Notre Dame University until fulfilling his duties in World War II by serving in the Navy.  After the war, he came back to his home state of Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Dr. Rinehart worked as a Civil Engineer before switching his career focus to education. He taught at M.S.U. and taught engineering courses at Lansing Community College, then developed a two-year program for engineering technicians and became a Dean at L.C.C. before being hired as Bay's first President.  He was invited to speak at quite a few conferences around the country on the curriculum he developed.

Mary accompanied Dr. Rinehart in many community meetings and presentations about the new college. Dr. and Mrs. Rinehart were young when Bay was started, Dr. Rinehart was 36 years old with six children and a seventh born in the first year of the college's existence.  Dr. Rinehart was the youngest community college president in Michigan at that time.  His youth served the college community well, he was known to play touch football with the students and interested faculty!

Mary displayed a strong commitment to their children's education, and after they were grown she, too, earned her Bachelor's degree and worked in education settings as a Paraprofessional in Rochester, NY, and she was highly valued in that role.  Mary was also considered a Mom to the Bay College students in the college's first few years, all the while being a Mom at home to seven children. Dr. and Mrs. Rinehart's talents were not limited to education, as both also supported the arts and both performed with the Players de Noc! Dr. Rinehart's picture is featured on campus showing the history of the college. The pictures above show Dr. and Mrs. Rinehart on the Bay campus; together as a family in Dr. Rinehart's office on the original campus; and the family's sporting side all wearing Bay de Noc sweatshirts.  These pictures are considered family treasures! The Rineharts' love for Bay College and its students is carried on by their children who continue to be involved with Bay and with the Dr. Richard L. and Mary K. Rinehart Scholarship.  Continued success to all Bay students!

Edward J. Sackerson

After serving in World War II, Edward worked in the accounting department at Mead Paper Corporation (now Billerud) for many years.  He was a lifelong resident of Escanaba until his passing at the age of 78.

Edward was a very generous man.  He had a passion for giving to charities and organizations that would help those in need in the Delta County area.  Edward's gift of education to the Bay College Foundation has created a lasting impact across many generations of students.

Helen Sackerson

Born on the fourth of July in 1928, a true spark, Helen was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School.  She worked at Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 35 years until her retirement in 1981. Helen was an avid University of Michigan football fan.  She also loved animals , enjoyed feeding the neighborhood birds and squirrels, and had a passion for helping others.  For years, she generously funded an annual scholarship at Bay College to assist students with financial need.  Helen has helped many students reach their goal of earning a college degree. Helen passed away in 2021 at the age of 92.  She designated a gift in her estate to establish an endowed scholarship at Bay College that will live on forever in her name helping students advance their future.

Robert S. Varda

Rob Varda graduated from Kingsford High School.  After high school, he continued his education at Michigan Technological University and earned degrees in Business and Electrical Engineering. Rob was a lifelong resident of the Kingsford area, working in management at Grede Foundry for nearly 20 years before taking a position as the Purchasing Agent with the Oldenburg Group.  He was later employed as the Materials Manager at BOSS Snowplow until his passing.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, boating and woodworking. Rob’s wife, Linda, has been employed at Bay College West Campus for over 14 years.  At the time of Rob’s passing, Linda developed a scholarship in his memory.  The scholarship is designated for a resident of Dickinson County pursuing a degree in Business or Pre-Engineering to honor Rob’s commitment to the community and his passion for his fields of education.

Dr. & Mrs. John Walch

Dr. John J and Mary (Née) Walch loved the Escanaba community!  Both graduates of Escanaba High School, John pursued a medical degree from the University of Michigan while playing on the varsity baseball team. Mary graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Business degree, which was unusual for women in her era.

After college, Dr Walch became a well-known physician and surgeon in the Escanaba area. During World War 1, he was a medic in France. In addition, he served on the local Board of Education and performed physicals for Escanaba athletes on a gratis basis. He enjoyed attending Escanaba sporting events in his free time. Mary was very active in the community serving as a member of the Escanaba Library Board, President of the Woman’s Medical Auxiliary, and President of the Parent/Teachers Association of a local school. Dr John and Mary valued education and had a passion for helping students with financial barriers. Dr John and Mary established one of the first scholarships at Bay College and their legacy lives on in the lives of many students.

Tony Wolak

The Wolak family - Tony, Kathy and Garrett - share a deep passion for higher education and lifelong learning.

Tony’s educational journey began at Bay College, where he earned two degrees: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Aided Design in 1987 and another AAS in Computer Systems Technology in 2006. His connection to Bay College extended beyond his studies, as he also served on Bay College’s Advisory Board for the CAD Program. Early in his career, Tony worked for a ham radio shop in Marquette before transitioning to a long and successful career with D&H Contracting and Mead Westvaco, where he applied his technical skills for many years.

Kathy also graduated from Bay College with two degrees. She spent 23 years working at a local law office and later devoted 13 years to Bay College, where she played a key role as the Switchboard Operator. In addition to this responsibility, Kathy also supported the President’s Office, the Foundation Office and the Admissions Department.

Their son, Garrett, followed in his parents’ footsteps by attending Bay College, where he also earned two degrees. He continued on, and completed a degree in Cybersecurity from Northern Michigan University, furthering his expertise in the field. Today, Garrett works for a Canadian software acquisition firm.

The Wolak family holds Bay College in high regard, considering it a valuable resource. They feel fortunate to have an accessible and affordable community college in their backyard, one that has played an essential role in their own educational and professional achievements.

Linda & Greg Yagodzinski

Greg and Linda developed the Leadership Scholarships to give back to community. There hope is to help students who cannot afford college have the opportunity to receive an education which is so essential in today’s world.  “We can think of no more significant investment in a community than education.  A good education is the key to people improving their social and economic mobility.”

Sally Zimmer

Sally Zimmer created a nursing scholarship endowment at Bay College in celebration of her 30+ year nursing career. “I want to help others create the opportunity I experienced caring for others. Achieving an education is critical to our future, and nursing is very rewarding.” Others continue to add to this fund to honor Sally’s commitment to community, education, and healthcare.

Each year, Bethany Lutheran Church of Perkins donates a $250 scholarship to assist a Bay College student with preference given to Mid-Peninsula High School graduates active in the church congregation.

Kennedy Englund, Bay College freshman and recipient of this year’s Bethany Lutheran Church Scholarship stated, “I’m so thankful to be awarded this scholarship.  The financial help means so much to me.  I’m excited to become a nurse someday and give back to the community.”

Danielson Insurance Agent, Becka Holm (left) presents a scholarship check to Dr. Nerita Hughes, President of Bay College (right) to be awarded to students enrolled at the Iron Mountain Campus for Academic Year 2025-2026.

Danielson Insurance recently donated a $500 scholarship to assist a full-time, Bay College West Campus student from Dickinson County for Academic Year 2023-2024.  Ryan Danielson, President of Danielson Insurance stated, “We are excited to once again fund a scholarship to assist a Bay College student from Dickinson County. Going to college is not always easy, and many students face financial burdens along the way. Danielson Insurance appreciates the opportunity to financially help a student each year on their educational journey."

Kyle Lee Demeuse

The scholarship was developed by Keith and Nancy Demeuse to honor their father, husband, son and brother - and to promote the education of other ‘late bloomers’ in the pursuit of their lives’ work. The scholarship is named in memory of Kyle, their son and a smart, funny, creative guy. Kyle taught himself many self-sustaining skills including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and welding, as well as playing guitar and harmonica. He eventually started his own small business. Kyle is sadly missed by his three children and family.

This scholarship supports student success!

Cindy Bintner of the Delta County Suicide Prevention Task Force (left) presents a check to Kim Carne of Bay College (right) to fund the End the Silence Scholarship to assist Social Work students.

The Delta County Suicide Prevention Task Force funds an annual scholarship to assist Bay College students in their final year studying social work.  The scholarship is funded with proceeds from the End the Silence Walk.  According to Cindy Bintner, “mental health services and social workers are highly needed within our community. The task force feels it is imperative to help support the need and providing scholarships for students desiring a social work career is a great fit.” 

Howard Erickson

Howard Erickson graduated from Bark River-Harris High School.  After high school, he served in the United States Army from May 1950 to March 1954.  He later attended Michigan Tech University and received an Electrical Engineering Degree. Howard was employed at Bay College as a Math Instructor for over 30 years.  He had a positive impact on many students during his tenure at Bay College. Howard passed away on December 9, 2020, and his family developed a scholarship in his memory to assist a student pursuing a degree in math, physics or pre-engineering.  Howard was very involved in the Bark River community, therefore this scholarship has preference to Bark River-Harris High School graduates that live within the Bark River School District. Graduates from Stephenson High School are also eligible.

Back row (left to right): Krusin’ Klassics Representatives, Jim Lippens, Randy Strasler, Debbie Brunette and Bill Brunette. Front row (left to right): Scholarship Recipients, Gauge Hebert and Dakota Hayen and Vicki DeGrand, Bay College Advancement Services Manager.

Krusin’ Klassics, a non-profit organization established in 1985 by local automobile enthusiasts, continues to make a positive impact in the community through its passion for vehicles and generosity. The group’s annual Fun Run Car Show in Escanaba consistently attracts a large crowd, with proceeds distributed to support various organizations and initiatives. For the 2024-2025 academic year, a portion of the proceeds from the 2024 car show funded a $1,500 scholarship to benefit students in Bay College’s automotive program. “Krusin’ Klassics is passionate about supporting students that are pursuing careers in automotive technology,” said Mark Caswell, President of the Krusin’ Klassics Car Club. “We believe in giving back to our community and investing in education. By providing this scholarship, we hope to inspire students to follow their dreams and help build a strong, skilled workforce for the future.”

Kim Carne, Vice President of Advancement / Foundation at Bay College (left), and Tonia Curry, Owner of the Man Cave (right), stand alongside Isabelle Harger (middle), recipient of the 2020-2021 Man Cave Scholarship at Bay College

The Man Cave in Escanaba funded a scholarship at Bay College to be awarded to a Delta County resident.  Tonia Curry, Owner of the Man Cave stated, “Bay College is instrumental to this community, and we are excited to be able to support a scholarship for a Bay College student.  Times are tough for many students right now, and giving back to the community is critical."

James Helgren (middle), River Valley Bank, presents a scholarship check to Bay West Foundation Board Members Nancy Finch (left) and Julie Olson (right).

River Valley Bank established a $500 scholarship at Bay College to be awarded to a Dickinson County resident pursuing a degree in Business.  “We are fortunate to have local businesses that believe in the importance of higher education,” stated Nancy Finch, Bay College Foundation Board Member.  “River Valley Bank’s scholarship will help a Bay West student reach their goal of receiving a college degree.”

This scholarship supports student success!