 . . . June 1995
Donors Shape Future By Rick Krupinski In 1860 when Andrew White, professor of history and of English literature, established with the Regents the first formal scholarships at the University of Michigan, he did so for reasons other than providing financial aid. Student costs were less than $400 a year then, so it was relatively easy for students to work their way through college. White, who went on to become Cornell University's first president, instituted the awards as $50 prizes to challenge all the students of the Literary Department. Nowadays, scholarships provide an indispensable form of financial aid and often become the deciding factor not only in students' ability to attend their schools-of-choice, but also in a school's ability to attract top students. Like Professor White, today's Michigan benefactors often designate their scholarship gifts in ways that broaden benefits beyond aiding students; they often direct funds so as to make an impact on disciplinary fields, social issues or geographical regions in which they have special interest. From establishing scholarships for students from their high school or local area to encouraging students to enroll in certain fields, donors find that helping prepare tomorrow's leaders in ways close to the donors' hearts offers an appealing means of personally shaping the future. Civitas Initiative Civitas (a Latin word that can mean "citizenship" or "community") supports talented students committed to taking their education and skills directly into the community. Students who receive Civitas scholarships pledge to use their degrees and training to benefit maltreated children and specifically to pursue careers that directly serve such children for the same number of years for which they received Civitas awards.
Jacobs, who is not a U-M alumnus, has established Civitas programs at Loyola School of Law in Chicago to train law students to become specialized advocates for maltreated children, and at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston to train child psychiatrists and mental health professionals specializing in abused and neglected children.
"I believe that if we train professionals who come in contact with these children," Jacobs says, "then we can reduce the cycle of crime and violence. By protecting children, we protect our community and make it safer. Child protection is tantamount to crime prevention."
For students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts programs, the Alvin M. Bentley Foundation in 1983 established the Bentley Scholarships for Michigan residents who have demonstrated academic excellence and promise.
The late Alvin Bentley '40, '63 AM was active lifelong in government and civic affairs. He served four terms as 8th district representative to the US Congress, and, with his wife, Arvella, created a legacy for Michigan students that stands as one of the premiere programs of student support.
The Bentley Scholarship provides $7,500 annually for four years, conditional on remaining in good academic standing. Two scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen each year, maintaining eight Bentley scholars at the U-M in any given year and encouraging the brightest and best of Michigan resident students.
Bentley Scholarships are matched LS&A Dean's Merit Scholarships of $2,500, bringing the total award to $10,000 a year.
To honor and continue for future generations the ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the U-M's Alumni Association and its African American Alumni Council have awarded the Martin Luther King Scholarship since 1982. Supported by alumni contributions at all levels, awards are given to exceptional incoming African American freshmen to defray first-year costs and increase students' ability to attend U-M.
Virgie Bright '88, who was awarded $1,500 in 1984, calls the support "immensely helpful." Part of an overall package of financial aid, her King Scholarship enabled her to meet her first year tuition and living expenses and to devote less time to a job and more to her studies.
"Winning it gave me confidence; it meant a lot to have the University of Michigan say,' Yes, you can!'" adds Dr. Bright, who went on to graduate from the U-M Medical School in 1992. She is now completing her residency in geriatrics at Cambridge (Mass.) Hospital, which is associated with the Harvard University Medical School.
Michigan has been saying "Yes, you can!" to students for a century and a half, thanks to the foresight and generosity of countless benefactors.
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