Macomb Community College Foundation celebrates donor impact at 2022 Donor Scholarship Luncheon

More than $450,000 in scholarships awarded to approximately 400 students last fiscal year

At its 2022 Donor Scholarship Luncheon, the Macomb Community College Foundation recognized donors whose generous contributions make an ever-increasing number of scholarships available to current and incoming students at Macomb. Approximately 140 donors, students and college representatives attended the event held at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township.

During last fiscal year, July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, the college awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships to more than 400 Macomb students. Beyond scholarship programs, contributions to the foundation also support program funds, including arts and culture, that advance the college’s mission of education, enrichment and economic development.

“It’s through the generosity of our donors who provide the scholarship money who truly make a difference for our students who otherwise may not be able to attend college,” said James O. Sawyer IV, president, Macomb Community College. “Macomb Community College is a very special place. Our students come with all sorts of life stories and experiences and your support is critical to their success. Otherwise, many wouldn’t be able to achieve their goals, and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Keynote speaker Debbie Osaer, who with her family established the Laura K. Osaer, D.O. Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Sciences, spoke about her late daughter’s goals and passions.

“At 25 years old, Laura was in her final year of medical school at Michigan State University and looking forward to a career that would allow her to do what she did best – help others. Like all of us, Laura had dreams and goals she wanted to accomplish,” said Osaer. “It’s important not to focus on the future that was lost, but the lessons of caring and giving to others that she showed us.”

Osaer introduced Elise Radzioch, 19, of Sterling Heights, the recipient of the scholarship established in her daughter’s memory. Radzioch is working to complete at Macomb the prerequisites for a bachelor’s degree in optometry. She plans to graduate from Macomb in Spring 2023 and transfer to Ferris State University to pursue a doctorate in optometry.

The student speaker, Charlie Havern, 26, of Sterling Heights, graduated in May 2020 from Macomb with an emergency medical technician (EMT) certificate and is continuing at Macomb to prepare for the national exam for paramedic licensure. A firefighter with the Chesterfield Fire Department, Havern is the recipient of the Chief Gerald B. Alward Scholarship for Fire Academy.

Havern discovered his passion for firefighting while working in the galley on a cruise ship out of Hawaii. After taking firefighting training aboard ship, he returned home to Macomb to be closer to his parents and 11 siblings while taking EMT training and launching a new career.

“I can’t explain the honor it is to receive the Chief Gerald B. Alward Scholarship,” said Havern. “Talking to Chief Alward on Zoom before he passed away made me realize I wasn’t starting my career too late and that it is the right thing for me to do. Finally, the right career at the right time, and he knew that for me too.”

New scholarships announced at the luncheon included:

• Chief Gerald B. Alward Scholarship for Fire Academy – Established to continue Chief Alward’s legacy by helping train future firefighters to serve and protect within their communities.
• Elaine Belich Memorial Culinary Scholarship – Established in memory of Elaine Belich for students enrolled in the culinary institute at Macomb who are facing financial challenges.
• Dental Sciences Scholarship Fund and Dental Sciences Program Fund – Established to support the needs of the Dental Science program and students at Macomb.
• Leader Foundry –Established to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in Applied, Automotive, Climate Control Technology and Apprenticeship programs at Macomb.
• Macomb Student Immediate Relief Fund – Established to address the financial hardships facing Macomb students including tuition and other immediate needs.
• William and Lesley Metz Memorial Scholarship – This endowed scholarship is to recognize students with academic achievement or potential in an academic area who are enrolled in a credit program at Macomb.
• Thomas R. Mill Memorial Scholarship – Established to continue Mill’s legacy of firefighting, EMS and police training at Macomb.
• Laura K. Osaer, D.O. Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Sciences - Established to continue Laura Osaer’s legacy of helping others while supporting students who are passionate about science.
• Arlington E. Pullins Memorial Nursing Scholarship – Designed to assist students who wish to pursue any number of arts disciplines. Open to students pursuing a degree in speech communication, humanities or social science disciplines.
• Willa J. Pullins Memorial Nursing Scholarship – Established to provide scholarship assistance to students enrolled in the nursing program at Macomb.
• Tom “Wakes” Waelchli Memorial Baseball Scholarship – In memory of Coach Wakes to continue his legacy and passion for Macomb’s baseball program through scholarships to student athletes.
• Denise Williams Professional Development Fund – Established for the professional development and growth of Macomb Community College employees.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded by community colleges and is one of the largest grantors of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor-degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.

Contact: Sean M. Patrick, 586.445.7271, patricks28@macomb.edu