McCormick Leadership Scholarship launched by two student organizations and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation

Two student organizations and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation have launched an endowed scholarship to honor the work of Chancellor James H. McCormick and his wife, Maryan G. McCormick.

The scholarship, to be known as the James H. and Maryan G. McCormick Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund, was created through a partnership of the Minnesota State College Student Association, the Minnesota State University Student Association and the system foundation. The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is also contributing to the scholarship fund.

The goal is to have a $100,000 endowment. After the scholarship was announced recently at the state college student group’s conference, the 275 students and attendees raised $5,721.

“I am honored that the two student associations have established this scholarship,” McCormick said. “Both student associations have worked tirelessly – and effectively, I might add – to improve the lives of our students. The associations have contributed immeasurably to the system’s success over the years, and I look forward to watching them continue to do so.”

“Chancellor McCormick was so student focused during his tenure that creating the McCormick Leadership Scholarship is the best way we can say ‘thank you’ for all of his service,” said Travis Johnson, president of the Minnesota State College Student Association.

Andrew Spaeth, president of the university student group, said, “The Minnesota State University Student Association is excited to be a partner in recognizing Chancellor McCormick and Dr. Maryan McCormick’s numerous contributions to public higher education in Minnesota.”

The McCormick Leadership Scholarship, which aims to reward students who are involved in leadership and service at their campuses and in their communities, will be overseen by the Minnesota State College Student Association Scholarship Board.  Eventually, up to two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded each year to students in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system who fit the criteria set by the scholarship board.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work with Chancellor McCormick,” said Scott Thiss, chair of the Board of Trustees for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “This endowment fund is the perfect way for the board to recognize a chancellor who remained student-centered throughout his tenure.”

“The foundation board admires Chancellor McCormick’s unwavering commitment to students.  It is an honor to carry his legacy forward,” said Foundation Board Chair John Schweers.

To make a donation to the McCormick Leadership Scholarship, visit: http://netcommunity.mnscu.edu/Page.aspx?pid=196&frcrld=1

Note: A copy of the resolution by the Minnesota State College Student
Association is attached.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 277,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 157,000 students in noncredit courses.

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