Full-time Michigan Education Association (MEA) faculty members at Bay College are proud to announce their annual Faculty Association Scholarship award recipients. The Faculty Association Scholarship was established with the Bay College Foundation to recognize both the academic achievement and the unmet financial need of current Bay College students. The fund provides two scholarships at $500 each. The Faculty Association selected Veronica Spreitzer and Samara Berger as this year’s award recipients.
Veronica Spreitzer, a graduate of Escanaba High School, began her academic journey at Bay as an Early College student in 2022. She has excelled in the classroom and on the Cross-Country team, where she found a supportive community.
“I have worked hard and enjoyed my time at Bay. This is true for both my academics and athletics,” Veronica shared. “I am grateful for all of the experiences the faculty and staff at Bay College have provided me with. I am honored and grateful to have been chosen to receive the Bay College Faculty Scholarship.” Veronica is pursuing an associate in science degree in General Science and plans to continue her education in Civil Engineering at Michigan Technological University. “I know that my experiences at Bay College have prepared me for what comes next.”
Samara Berger is pursuing an associate in science degree for Pre-Natural Resources and an associate in arts degree in Liberal Arts through Bay College. Currently, in her second of three years, she is completing her coursework as part of a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management through Bay’s partnership with Lake Superior State University (LSSU). After graduation, she hopes to transition from a seasonal role with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at Tahquamenon Falls State Park into a full-time, year-round position.
“As a non-traditional student who took a few too many gap years before building the courage to return to school, I am now fully committed to pursuing my dream of a career that allows me to explore and protect the natural world,” Samara shared. “The faculty and staff at Bay have been incredibly helpful and endlessly encouraging—from the TRIO program to the tutors and professors, everyone goes above and beyond to provide vital support. This scholarship will help alleviate the financial stress that comes with being a student, allowing me to focus more on my studies and continue working toward my career goals.”
To be eligible for the award, students must have completed 24 or more Bay College credits with a 3.0 GPA or higher and have applied for Bay College scholarships. The Faculty Association Scholarship is unique in that the selection occurs after the regular scholarship award process has been completed. Faculty select their recipients from a pool of students who still have some unmet financial need not yet covered by other scholarships and/or financial aid.
Molly Campbell, Faculty Association Scholarship Committee Chair, stated, “Each year, our faculty look forward to recognizing students who not only achieve academically but show dedication to their goals. This scholarship allows us to directly support students who are doing the work and may still need just a little more help to get across the finish line. We are proud of Veronica, Samara, and all our Bay students.”
Bay College students can apply for scholarships online at www.baycollege.edu/scholarships . Founded in 1972, the Bay College Foundation connects businesses, organizations, and individuals to the rewards of changing lives and advancing communities with investments in higher education. For more information on the Bay College Foundation, visit www.baycollege.edu/foundation , email foundation@baycollege.edu , or call (906) 217-1700.