Kirtland Foundation Expands Endowed Scholarship Program, Strengthening Support for Students

Kirtland Foundation Expands Endowed Scholarship Program, Strengthening Support for Students

By Kirtland Community College Communications and Marketing Department

GRAYLING, Michigan (April 8, 2025) — The Kirtland Foundation is proud to announce the addition of four new endowed scholarships, furthering its mission to connect benefactors with Kirtland Community College student needs. These endowed scholarships will provide students with essential financial resources, ensuring continued access to affordable and innovative education opportunities.

The Kirtland Foundation’s endowed scholarship program allows donors to provide a gift which is permanently restricted. Scholarships are awarded annually based on a percentage of the spendable earnings and the remaining funds continue to grow. This process allows the Foundation the opportunity to award scholarships in perpetuity. Each year the Foundation provides approximately $50,000 in endowed scholarships, with an additional $40,000 awarded through annual scholarships.

“When individuals gift their hard-earned money to support an endowed scholarship, it’s a true testament of the impact they want to have,” said Kirtland Foundation Director Heather Appold. “Since endowments grow, the impact will reach students into the future. It truly is amazing that so many in our community are kind and want to see students succeed.”

In recent months the Foundation has received four new endowments. This is a testament that in communities the Foundation serves, members see the value in higher education and are excited to support Kirtland students. These annual scholarships will average between $500 and $1,000.

The four new scholarships include:

• Buschbacher Family Endowed Scholarship- Matt & Mary Jo Buschbacher provided this generous gift to help reduce financial barriers for those who wish to continue their education at Kirtland. This scholarship supports any part or full-time student with a 3.0 or greater GPA.
• Morley Kinney Nursing Scholarship-Jody and Tom Kinney along with the Morley Family Foundation is graciously funding this scholarship to help nursing students at Kirtland. Nursing is a calling for many and the family is happy and honored to offer this scholarship to those who wish to pursue this noble profession.
• Michael & Bonnie Stephan Family Endowed Scholarship-The Stephan Family gifted funds for their scholarship to support any student at Kirtland who may be facing challenges that could hinder their education. Finances should not be the deciding factor on receiving an education and this scholarship will support a part or full-time student in any program.
• Rasmus & Margrethe Hanson Endowed Scholarship-Started by Wayne Koppa and funded by many donors in the community, this scholarship is awarded annually to a Kirtland student who graduated from Grayling High School. The Hanson family has deep roots in the Grayling community with the initial donation of 1,400 acres for Camp Grayling and building the Officers’ Club in 1917.

The Kirtland Foundation expresses its appreciation to all donors who contribute to student scholarships. Gifts at all levels help expand educational opportunities and transform student lives. Currently the Kirtland Foundation has a $5,000 match program to help build endowments-making it an ideal time to get involved. To learn more on how to make an endowment gift or any donation to the Kirtland Foundation, please contact Foundation Director Heather Appold at 989-275-5000 ext. 446.

“I am always pleased to see a new agreement document for an endowed scholarship. This indicates to the board that the donor is making a long-term commitment to helping students,” said Susie Marshall, a Kirtland Foundation Board member. “The funds are invested by the Foundation, thereby giving continual stability to supporting our mission.”

About the Kirtland Foundation

As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Kirtland Foundation raises money from private donors, local businesses, alumni and more, then allocates funds in the form of scholarships and grants to Kirtland Community College students and faculty and staff. https://www.kirtland.edu/foundation/

About Kirtland Community College

Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000.