Back to an in-person for the Annual Scholarship Luncheon
It was a breezy sunny afternoon on the back porch of Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield on the day when 27 students received college scholarships.
Even though MIRA gave out scholarships last year, they had cancelled the scholarship luncheon due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, they met in person for the 13th Annual Scholarship Luncheon.
“It is so great to see people and be out again,” said Jerry Crete, longtime MIRA board Member. “As a board, we have been meeting on Zoom and it’s so great to get together in person again.”
Crete’s employee Sydney Stephens, a student at Saginaw Valley State University, was one of this year’s recipients. “I have been part of MIRA for a longtime and the scholarship program is a great program. I always encourage my employees who are eligible to apply for it. College can be expensive.”
President and CEO Ed Weglarz welcomed the attendees. “We congratulate all of you for being here today,” said Weglarz. “We know it has been a tough year for all of you and you were able to continue succeeding while adapting to the changes because of the pandemic while being forced move in different directions on the fly.”
He also recognized parents for helping students cope with being online or hybrid while they worked at home. “We also greatly appreciate all the sponsors who committed to this program helping us give out 27, $1,500 scholarships.”
“It’s terrific to be back in person and to meet these scholarship recipients,” said Ernie Almeranti, Great Lakes Wine and Spirits who sponsored two students. “We have had a great relationship with MIRA for years and this event is one of the most meaningful events we are involved in. It means a lot be able to help at the collegiate level.”
Lynette Dowler, from the DTE Foundation was the Keynote Speaker. “I came from a rather poor family,” said Dowler. “I was the top of my class my senior year in high school, but I had no idea how I was going to pay for school. I didn’t’ have any aunts, uncles or parents who had gone to college. Trying to navigate the world and get scholarships was mind boggling. It was difficult to understand where to turn. I felt lost. I also felt hopeful because I knew there were better things on the horizon.”
Dowler did end up receiving a full-ride scholarship to a local community college which catapulted her academic career. “For me, that was the beginning.”
She went on to share with the students her philosophy in life which started out as the four Fs and recently became the five Fs.
“It’s starts with my Faith, then my Family, then my friends and finally my Finances, which is my work,” said Dowler. “As you go through your life, sit down and figure out your priorities. Life is about balance … life gets a little wonky for all of us and that is when I think about my four Fs.”
She noted that along the way you might need to change or add to the priority list. It was about 10 years ago when Dowler faced a serious health crisis and added her fifth F. “That was fitness,” she said. “I realized I knew I needed to take care of myself. I couldn’t do anything for my husband, children, grandchildren or the community if I didn’t take care of myself. Remember, it’s okay to take care of you. If you are strong, everything around you can be strong.”
