Foundation Scholarships

Lois and 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.

John and Miriam 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

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.”

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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."

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.” 

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.”