BIG RAPIDS - The Canadian Lakes Garden Club has found a way to help lighten the load for today’s students majoring in Ornamental Horticulture at Ferris State University by establishing the Canadian Lakes Garden Club Annual Scholarship fund.
Joyce Linn, president of the Garden Club, said they were looking for a place to donate the proceeds from the sale of their Christmas wreaths they hold as a fundraiser every year.
“We sell wreaths for Christmas as a fundraiser and we weren’t exactly sure what to do with the proceeds,” explained Linn. “A few years back, we took a tour of the John R. and Rhea Smith Greenhouse at Ferris and visited with Ornamental Horticulture Technology faculty and thought what a great opportunity we had to support our University and students who have a passion for what we do,” said Linn.
Debra Blair of Grand Rapids is the first recipient of the scholarship and is grateful to have had the opportunity to receive the scholarship.
“I truly appreciate the scholarship from the Canadian Lakes Garden Club. Financial assistance is one of the most practical encouragements for any student. I also value the work experience in the greenhouse. This investment has both broadened my horizons and equipped me with specific skills for the horticulture industry,” said Blair.
“We were thrilled to be able to provide some financial support to Debra,” said Ferris professor and Ornamental Horticulture Technology program Coordinator John Vanderploeg. “Plus, as a condition of receiving the scholarship, the recipient must be willing to work in our greenhouse, which gives them invaluable experience as well as monetary support.”
For more information or to make a gift to the Canadian Lakes Garden Club Annual Scholarship, please contact The Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or [email protected]. You can obtain details about establishing scholarships or endowments by calling the Advancement office at (231) 591-3825.