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Endowment Fund
The MARSP Foundation has established an Endowment Fund, which is a subsidiary of the MARSP Foundation, Inc. This fund was established in 2002, with the intent of continuing the mission of the Foundation by creating a perpetual fund that will be used to benefit the MARSP organization and its members. The contributions are invested in secured interest-bearing funds. The principal funds grow with every contribution, and only the interest earned from the investments can be used to support the objectives of the Fund, the Foundation, and MARSP, as determined by the Endowment Fund Committee and the Foundation Board of Directors. To help start the fund, the MARSP Foundation sold raffle tickets for 4 trips to various places. The profit of $3,385 from the raffle was deposited into the Endowment Fund account.
The Endowment Fund holds bequests and monetary gifts made to it separately from the Foundation Fund depository, and is subject to an annual audit. The Endowment Fund Committee is accountable to the MARSP Foundation Board of Directors and must report through the annual audit to the membership.
The Endowment Fund provides an opportunity to donate at any time, any amount, and as often as you desire. We would like to encourage your support throughout the year, as well on special occasions, through various ways:
- Honor friends, relatives, chapter officers, members, MARSP Board members and MARSP Staff.
- In Memory of loved ones, relatives, chapter officers, members, MARSP Board members and MARSP Staff.
- MARSP Foundation/Endowment Fund may receive a gift from your Estate and/or Trust.
- MARSP Endowment fund may be placed as a beneficiary in your will.
It is through participation that the MARSP Foundation Endowment Fund can provide the opportunities to support the objectives of the Foundation and Endowment Fund.
Why not plan now to make sure your Contribution, Trust, and Estate does not go entirely to the Internal Revenue Service? To contribute to the Fund, send a check or money order payable to the MARSP Foundation Endowment Fund. Payments can also be made by credit card. Please see the linked form. Contributions to all of the MARSP Foundation funds may be tax-deductible for those who itemize.
MARSP Foundation Endowment Fund Committee
Don Bishop, Wayne Downriver Chapter, Chairman
Paul Lerg, Crawford-Oscoda Chapter
Les Nixon, Presque Isle County Chapter
Marie Wilkerson, Osceola County Chapter
General Fund
The MARSP Foundation General Fund is a tax-deductible fund where the funds are distributed in any area of the foundation that the MARSP Foundation Board feels there is a need.
MARSP Foundation Board of Directors
| Position | Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Chairman | Marie Wilkerson | 231.734.2508 |
| Foundation Chief Executive Officer | Royce Humm | 517.337.1757 |
| Foundation Treasurer | Hess Bates | 248.651.2142 |
| MARSP President/Director | Robert Kucera | 269.327.3817 |
| MARSP Past-president/Director | Paul Lerg | 989.348.7508 |
| Director | Catherine “Kit” Spring | 906.632.8088 |
| Director | Speedy Bates | 248.651.2142 |
| Director | Donald Bishop | 734.676.4498 |
| Director | G Duane Davis | 989.640.1034 |
| Director | Les Nixon | 989.733.8649 |
| Director | Robert Wiles | 906.478.7151 |
Richard & Margaret Smith Fund
In 1996, when MARSP Past President Richard J. Smith was Chairman of the Foundation, he suggested that he would like to see the Foundation provide financial assistance to some of our less fortunate members. He knew of some who had difficulty paying their prescription co-pay, medical expenses, or utility bills. A committee studied this suggestion and recommended that the MARSP Foundation start this fund. They wanted to name it the Richard and Margaret Smith Fund, because it was an example of what Richard does in his own community – helping the less fortunate.
The Smith Fund is actually administered by the MARSP Chapters. The chapter president applies for a grant of up to $500. The individual names are not reported to the Foundation, all of the information is confidential. The committee studies the applications and sends checks to the approved chapters. The chapters are encouraged to match the funds, but it is not mandatory. The chapter deposits the MARSP Foundation check into the chapter’s bank account, and then writes a check from the chapter’s bank account directly to the recipient. Originally it was decided that applications for assistance from the Smith Fund would only be accepted twice a year, but the Foundation has since changed that stipulation. The time restriction has been removed, since financial difficulties occur throughout the year, and a person in need cannot always wait.
If a member wishes to receive assistance or knows of another member who needs help, please contact the chapter president or the MARSP office. The chapter must submit the actual request and all inquiries will be kept confidential All chapter presidents receive an application once a year, and additional forms can be obtained by calling the MARSP office.
Since the Smith Fund originated, MARSP members have been very compassionate and generous and there are ample funds to be distributed. The Smith Fund Committee encourages continued contributions to the fund, but the biggest problem now is finding the members who need help. People in the older generation were taught pride and self-sufficiency. It is very difficult for them to ask for help for themselves, yet they are very willing to help others. There does come a time in everyone’s life when they need help of some sort, so if you need assistance or know of a member who does, please contact your chapter president or the MARSP office to report that information. We will inform the Smith Fund Committee and they will contact you. Again, all inquiries are strictly confidential.
To those members who do not need assistance, but wish to help others, please send a donation to the Smith Fund. Be sure to make your check payable to the MARSP Foundation and indicate that it is to go to the Smith Fund account. These contributions may be tax-deductible, if you itemize.
Smith Fund Committee Members
Hess Bates, Smith Fund Committee Chair, North Oakland Chapter
Speedy Bates, North Oakland Chapter
Kit Spring, Chippewa-Mackinac Chapter
Annual Smith Fund Disbursement Totals
Due to the delicacy and confidentiality of the Smith Fund requests and disbursements, the MARSP Foundation is not able to divulge the names of the chapters or their members who have requested assistance from the Smith Fund. Listed below, per fiscal year, are the total number of disbursements and the total amount disbursed since the Smith Fund began.
| Fiscal Year | Number of Disbursements | Amount of Disbursements |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019 | 2 | $620.00 |
| July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 | 5 | $2400.00 |
| July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 | 5 | $1943.23 |
| July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 | 7 | $1750.00 |
| July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 | 4 | $2000.00 |
| July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014 | 8 | $2,384.18 |
| July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 | 5 | $2,150.00 |
| July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012 | 2 | $1,000.00 |
| July 1, 2010 – June 30, 2011 | 7 | $2,950.00 |
| July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010 | 2 | $1,000.00 |
| July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009 | 7 | $3,200.00 |
| July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008 | 6 | $2,400.00 |
| July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007 | 12 | $4,700.00 |
| July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006 | 7 | $2,830.00 |
| July 1, 2004 – June 30, 2005 | 6 | $3,000.00 |
| July 1, 2003 – June 30, 2004 | 2 | $1,000.00 |
| July 1, 2002 – June 30, 2003 | 8 | $3,690.00 |
| July 1, 2001 – June 30, 2002 | 3 | $1,500.00 |
| July 1, 2000 – June 30, 2001 | 6 | $2,800.00 |
| July 1, 1999 – June 30, 2000 | 3 | $1,250.00 |
| July 1, 1998 – June 30,1999 | 2 | $750.00 |
| July 1, 1997 – June 30, 1998 | 5 | $1,450.00 |
| July 1, 1996 – June 30, 1997 | 2 | $300.00 |
Scholarship Fund
The MARSP Foundation Board determined in 1995 that one area of education in which there seems to be a void was financial assistance for the public school employees. “Some time ago I enthusiastically supported the idea that the Foundation provide scholarships to working members of the retirement system who wanted to improve their position in the workforce through continuing education,” said Foundation Past Chairman Richard J. Smith. The first scholarships were awarded in 1996.
Funds for the scholarships come from:
- Contributions of MARSP members and supporters
- Checks/credit card payments can be mailed to MARSP Foundation
- Foundation Contribution Form and in the VANGUARD newsletter
- Annual Golf Outings
- Golfers
- Sponsors
The scholarship is available for all public school employees, no matter what their current position is, as long as they are furthering their education in an area that will be beneficial to working in the public school arena. The scholarship grants are disbursed in July, and are usually for the fall semester for the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
Eligibility for scholarship:
- Any current professional or support staff employee of a public school system which reports to MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System)
- Educational endeavors available from:
- Four-year degree granting program institution
- Community college
- Technical/vocational institution in Michigan
- Seminars/workshops from Michigan professional organizations
Apply for the scholarship:
- Mail application to: MARSP Foundation, P.O. Box 23214, Lansing, MI 48909 or fax to 517-337-8560 or submit online.
- Applications accepted January 1 to March 30, 2023 (scholarship to be used for the academic year July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
- Scholarship amount is limited to $1,000
- Disbursements shall be made directly to the institution/professional organization in the amount of the scholarship award
- Call MARSP office for any questions 517.337.1757 or 888.960.4022
MARSP Foundation Scholarship Committee
Robert Wiles, Chippewa-Mackinac Chapter, Chair
Rita Doneth, Isabella County Chapter
Robert Kucera, Kalamazoo County Chapter
Kit Spring, Chippewa-Mackinac Chapter
Marie Wilkerson, Osceola County Chapter
MARSP Foundation Scholarship Fund Recipients
| Recipient Name | Hometown | College/University Attending |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ||
| Kellie Greener | Sault St. Marie | Ferris State University |
| Michelle Kostrzewa | Freeland | Concordia University |
| Candice Labadie | Engadine | Northern Michigan |
| Peter Neuroth | Canton | Eastern Michigan University |
| Sara Plowman | Novi | Lake Superior State University |
| Amanda Steinbauer | Standish | University of Michigan – Flint |
| Timory Wilcox | Onaway | Central Michigan University |
| 2018 | ||
| Jessica Garvaglia | Quinnesec | Northern Michigan University |
| Sarah Johnson | Munising | Andrews University |
| Laura Kriegl | Kingsford | Learner’s Edge |
| Megan LaRocque | Sault Ste. Marie | Northern Michigan University |
| Paige Nelson | Portage | Western Michigan University |
| Andrew Otten | Grand Rapids | University of Missouri |
| Kayna Schlichte | Saginaw | Saginaw Valley State University |
| Rebecca Spitzer | Marquette | Northern Michigan University |
| Marci Veale | Iron Mountain | Learner’s Edge |
| Danielle Watchko | Rapid River | Northern Michigan University |
| 2017 | ||
| Robin Armstrong | Rochester Hills, MI | Oakland Community College |
| Lisa Bouche | Escanaba, MI | Fresno Pacific University |
| Amanda Canute | Alpena, MI | Western Governor’s University |
| Karen Flynn | Ionia, MI | Arkansas State University |
| Tina Jensen | Wells, MI | Bay de Noc Community College |
| Matthew LaLonde | Quinnesec, MI | Marygrove College |
| Sara Short | Iron Mountain, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| Amber Smith | Dafter, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| 2016 | ||
| Meghan Anderson | Marquette, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| Andrea Chaney | Wilson, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| Jamie Clarke | Kingsford, MI | Bay De Noc Community College |
| Kimberly Cornelissen | Sterling Heights, MI | Michigan State University |
| Kayla Hammermeister | Big Rapids, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| Paul Jankoska | Sterling, MI | Baker College of Cadillac |
| Jacqueline Wagner | Marquette, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| 2015 | ||
| Cassandra Bedtelyon | West Branch, MI | Baker College |
| Elizabeth Litzner | St. Ignace, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| Rachel Reich | Sault Ste Marie, MI | Western Governor’s University |
| Tracy Whittkopf | Kingsford, MI | Lake Superior State University |
| 2014 | ||
| Jason Lehman | DeTour Village, MI | Western Governor’s University |
| Beth Reed | Newberry, MI | Oakland University |
| Deanna Robinette | Escanaba, MI | Bay de Noc Community College |
| Narissa Ross | Three Rivers, MI | Western Michigan University |
| Brittany Stabile | Sault Ste. Marie, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| 2013 | ||
| Danielle Ash | Jenison, MI | Central Michigan University |
| Ayla Kitchen | Reed City, MI | Central Michigan University |
| Helen Paquette | Iron Mountain, MI | Bay de Noc Community College |
| Jessica Savoie | Rudyard, MI | Lake Superior State University |
| Bonita “Bo” Winkler | Iron Mountain, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| 2012 | ||
| Whitney Beauchamp | Iron Mountain, MI | ACE Program |
| Terri Feronni | Sault Ste. Marie, MI | Bay Mills Community College |
| Kathryn Jennings | Barbeau, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| Jennifer Mientkiewicz | New Boston, MI | Madonna University |
| Mandy Springer | East Lansing, MI | Summer Institute at Okemos High |
| Robin Winton | Fairview, MI | Ferris State University |
| 2011 | ||
| Kristin Crowe | Northville, MI | Oakland University |
| Brady Flachs | Stanwood, MI | Central Michigan University |
| Adam Gumbrecht | Holt, MI | Eaton Rapids Schools |
| Derek Lounds | Grand Ledge, MI | Central Michigan University |
| 2010 | ||
| No scholarships awarded | ||
| 2009 | ||
| Susan Boven | Caledonia, MI | Learner’s Edge Inc. |
| Tammy Hereau | Cornell, MI | Lake Superior State University |
| Lori Janczewski | Rose City, MI | Saginaw Valley State University |
| Adriana Ranta | Mason, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| 2008 | ||
| Lynn Amato | Boyne City, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| Jennifer Bess | Farmington Hills, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| Kimberly Cole | Detroit, MI | University of Detroit Mercy |
| Tammy Hereau | Cornell, MI | Lake Superior State University |
| Michelle Pifer | Williamston, MI | Michigan Technological University |
| Shannon Tripp | Alto, MI | Western Michigan University |
| 2007 | ||
| Heidi Aldrich | Breckenridge, MI | Central Michigan University |
| Dean Gage | Saranac, MI | Ferris State University |
| Olivier Harmenil | Holt, MI | Bureau of Education & Research |
| Kerry Zylka | South Lyon, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| 2006 | ||
| Lisa Bell | Flint, MI | University of Michigan-Flint Campus |
| Jill Blyveis | Otsego, MI | Kalamazoo Valley Community College |
| Katherine Demorest | Battle Creek, MI | Michigan State University |
| Cherril Lott | Redford, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| Kerry Zylka | South Lyon, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| 2005 | ||
| Mark Burton | Cedar Springs, MI | Cornerstone University |
| Susan Busken | Norton Shores, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| Linda Fineout | Indian River, MI | Spring Arbor University |
| Molly Ross | Caseville, MI | Saginaw Valley State University |
| 2004 | ||
| Sherrieanne Farnsworth | Gregory, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| Molly Ross | Caseville, MI | Saginaw Valley State University |
| Rayme Martineau | Autrain, MI | Northern Michigan University |
| Lori Simpson | Otisville, MI | Eastern Michigan University |
| 2003 | ||
| Denise A. Cole | Kalamazoo, MI, | Western Michigan University |
| Barbara A. Hoffmeyer | Onaway, MI | Spring Arbor University |
| Sharon L. Morgan | Kalamazoo, MI | Western Michigan University |
| Heidi K.Yager | Muskegon, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| 2002 | ||
| Pamela M. Ackley | Charlotte, MI | Lansing Community College |
| Brie K. Minshall | Grand Ledge, MI | Central Michigan University |
| Donna Jean Piper | Ossineke, MI | Alpena Community College |
| Katie Rondeau-Thomson | Ossineke, MI | Marygrove College |
| 2001 | ||
| Angela C. Dalton | Muir, MI | Aquinas College |
| 2000 | ||
| Angela C. Dalton | Muir, MI | Aquinas College |
| Ellen M. George | Detroit, MI | Madonna University |
| Pamela L. Hotchkiss | Belding, MI | Spring Arbor College |
| Cynthia Anne Raymo | Caseville, MI | Oakland University |
| Wendy J. Schmitz | Montrose, MI | Saginaw Valley State University |
| 1999 | ||
| No scholarships awarded | ||
| 1998 | ||
| Robin Alger | Davison, MI | University of Michigan-Flint |
| Wendy DeWolfe | Parma, MI | Madonna University |
| Shelley Freeland | Bailey, MI | Baker College |
| Joseph A. George | Flint, MI | Computer Data, Inc. |
| Judy Goldberg | Saginaw, MI | Delta College |
| Gayle L. Jones | Marysville, MI | University of Michigan-Flint |
| Curtis A. Krohn | Bad Axe, MI | Saginaw Valley State University |
| Vicki Ellen Pett | Saginaw, MI | Delta College |
| 1997 | ||
| Terry Barkley | Ironwood, MI | Leelanau Center for Education |
| Bonnie Clark | Big Rapids, MI | Grand Valley State University |
| Gayle L. Jones | Marysville, MI | St. Clair Community College |
| Dana Mikesell | Muskegon, MI | Western Michigan University |
| Deborah Schramski | Traverse City, MI | Davenport College |
| 1996 | ||
| Dorothy Dow Hannum | Michigan | Saginaw Valley State University |
| Elizabeth Gonzalez | Lenawee, MI | Lenawee ISD Vocational-Technical Center |
| Amy Howard | Michigan | Eastern Michigan University |
| Carolyn S. O’Neil | Michigan | University of Michigan-Flint |