LBC Funds

This scholarship was established by Jeffrey Boswell, M.D. in honor of his father, Paul Edward Boswell, who attended MSU through the National Science Foundation sponsored Academic Year Institute, earning a master's degree from the College of Natural Science in 1965. He brought his family to East Lansing where they lived in Spartan Village before moving to Texas. Were it not for his father’s decision to attend MSU, Jeffrey Boswell would not have considered leaving Texas for college, or discovered Lyman Briggs College. He established this scholarship to make it possible for out of state students to study in Lyman Briggs College.

Give to the Paul E. Boswell Scholarship

Edgar C. Bristow, M.D. established this scholarship as a memorial to his daughter, Carol E. Bristow, who was an outstanding student during her time at Lyman Briggs. She subsequently had a career with the Washington D.C. Office of DPRA, a company providing various services to federal agencies, including the EPA and FDA. It is his hope that this fund will provide needed assistance to Lyman Briggs students throughout the future.

Give to the Carol E. Bristol Memorial Scholarship

Dr. David Cantor graduated from Lyman Briggs College in 1973 with degrees in chemistry and secondary education. He earned a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Gretchen Cantor has a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Vermont. Both David and Gretchen have worked for a variety of pharmaceutical companies in manufacturing and research and development, both in the US and in Switzerland. It was during their time in Switzerland that the couple became especially interested in education abroad when a group of students from MSU were studying in Zurich under LBC Professor Gerd Kortemeyer. The Cantors believe that the importance of an experience studying abroad lies in exposure to another culture and way of life and is an excellent way to broaden students' world views.

Give to the David and Gretchen Cantor Education Abroad Scholarship

Ms. Patricia Merry and Dr. Donald Borseth established this scholarship for graduates of their high school alma mater, Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI to attend Lyman Briggs College. Pat and Don are members of the earliest classes in Lyman Briggs, and have a long-standing relationship with and support of the college.

Give to the Cass Technical High School Alumni Scholarship

This scholarship is intended to encourage students who have demonstrated the capacity to promote better-informed decision-making based on knowledge of the best scientific knowledge available. Recipients must hold at least sophomore status and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. 
 
Students who demonstrate a dedication to improving public understanding of science will be given preference. 

Give to the Clark Fund for Science in the Public Interest

Dave and Diana Copp established this scholarship in 2020 to create an opportunity for worthy and capable students enrolled in Lyman Briggs College. This scholarship will support students at LBC majoring in the biological sciences or those who have chosen an Interdisciplinary Physics or Biological Science major, two areas of study that are pursued by students who have career interests in teaching. 

Give to the David A. & Diana L. Copp LBC Scholarship

On October 20, 1966, the MSU Board of Trustees created the Planning Committee for Lyman Briggs College, appointing Dr. Frederic B. Dutton - then Director of the Science and Mathematics Teaching Center - as its chair. Dr. Dutton led the committee in creating a common agreement on a residential college for students seeking a liberal education in the physical and biological sciences, students seeking preprofessional training and students seeking majors currently offered in the College of Natural Science, but in the context of a small liberal arts and science college. Dr. Dutton recruited many of the pioneering faculty who would create the curriculum and college. On July 1, 1967, Lyman Briggs College opened with Dr. Dutton serving as its first dean. Lyman Briggs College established this endowment to honor Dr. Dutton. 

Give to the Dr. Frederic B. Dutton Scholarship

The Jane Smith Elliott Endowed Scholarship was established in honor of Jane Smith Elliott, Ph.D. by her daughter Martha (Marty) K. Kakuk and Marty’s husband Thomas J. Kakuk, D.V.M., Ph.D., along with Jane’s son Benjamin T. Smith, Ph.D., and his wife Nancy Frasure-Smith, Ph.D. Jane’s family desires to support Lyman Briggs College students, who were so important to her during her time as a faculty member, Director of Advisement, and Assistant Dean. Even after her death in 1987, students and colleagues remember her as a scientist, pioneer, innovator and compassionate advisor who provided a difference in the direction of their careers and ultimately their lives.

Give to the Jane Smith Elliott Endowed Scholarship

Brian Falzon was a bright, creative and energetic student as well as a generous friend. Brian always had a smile for everyone, hence his nickname "Cloud." Brian loved life at MSU and considered Lyman Briggs College his second home and the students in Holmes Hall his extended family. Brian's parents and sister established this book award in Brian's memory so that he may never be forgotten.

Give to the Brian Falzon Book Scholarship

Dr. Howard H. Hagerman was one of the pioneer faculty members in the residential college programs at MSU. As a charter faculty member in Lyman Briggs, he established the biology program in a nurturing setting that provided a unique combination of formal and informal learning opportunities that characterize the Briggs experience. This scholarship was established to honor Dr. Hagerman in a manner befitting his legacy to Briggs.[Hagerman established this fund/not university-initiated. - mb] 

Howard and Joan Hagerman Endowed Scholarship for LBC Biology

Dr. Hamelink was MSU’s first student to graduate with a 4.0 GPA and was also a pioneering faculty member of Lyman Briggs College. The College of Natural Science and Lyman Briggs established this award in his honor to support academically gifted students. 

Give to the Dr. Ronald C. Hamelink Scholarship in Mathematics

This fund brings together gifts for student scholarships that are not designated to any specific “named” fund. Contributions to this fund will allow the college to award scholarships to assist in recruitment of new students who may have financial needs, retention of present students, and rewarding of academic achievement. 

Give to the LBC Scholarship Fund-Expendable

It was a love of life, passion for education, and gratitude that led Paula Lupina to establish the Ted & Paula Lupina Endowed Scholarship, on behalf of her late husband, Ted.

Ted Lupina was a bright and motivated high school senior in Kalamazoo. One of four children of a single mother, Ted was planning to put himself through college by living at home and attending classes at a nearby university. A phone call changed everything. He was offered a full ride scholarship to whichever school he most wanted to attend. And so, in the fall of 1971, he started classes at Lyman Briggs College at Michigan State University. Ted never forgot that generosity. He relished his time in college, enjoying close connections with his peers and professors, learning science, and expanding his knowledge through electives. He deeply valued his education. Early in their relationship, the Lupinas discussed their shared value of giving back and building community. Ted wanted to establish a scholarship for Lyman Briggs students like the one he had received, and Paula agreed that it would be a powerful way to help others.

Give to the Ted & Paula Lupina Endowed Scholarship

William and Helen Matson grew up during the Great Depression knowing the value of a dollar. They treasured their college experiences and the opportunities their degrees provided for them. Helen and Bill imparted those values to their four children, Merrie, Marcia, Bob and Doug, each of whom graduated from college with their expenses paid entirely with money set aside by their parents. For the Matson family, an education did not stop in the classroom. They traveled frequently and widely as the children were growing up, and that love of travel, the broadening of horizons and exposure to different cultures was a value that the children inherited and cherished. Bob Matson established this fund on the 50th anniversary of his entering Lyman Briggs College as a member of its first graduating class. He does this in memory of his parents and in honor of his family’s dedication to higher education and worldly experiences. 

Give to the Matson Family Endowed Scholarship

The Matson Family Expendable Scholarship for Education Abroad is designed to provide 1-2 students per year with significant financial assistance toward studying abroad. 

William and Helen Matson grew up during the Great Depression knowing the value of a dollar. They treasured their college experiences and the opportunities their degrees provided for them. Helen and Bill imparted those values to their four children, Merrie, Marcia, Bob and Doug, each of whom graduated from college with their expenses paid entirely with money set aside by their parents. 

For the Matson family, an education did not stop in the classroom. They traveled frequently and widely as the children were growing up, and that love of travel, the broadening of horizons and exposure to different cultures was a value that the children inherited and cherished. Bob Matson established this fund on the 50th anniversary of entering Lyman Briggs College as a member of its first graduating class. He does this in memory of his parents and in honor of his family’s dedication to higher education and worldly experiences.

Give to the Matson Family Expendable Scholarship for Education Abroad

Pamela Ann Merry was a member of the 1967 entering class of Lyman Briggs College. After she graduated, she worked at Argonne National Laboratory and achieved the "scientist" title. Pam died in 1987 due to complications associated with leukemia. Ms. Patricia L. Merry and Donald G. Borseth have created this endowed scholarship in her memory. It is the donors’ hope that the scholarship may be awarded to qualified applicants who have demonstrated potential for leadership in promoting the importance of the work of women in STEM fields. Eligibility is open to all without restriction or preference based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or other protected personal identity.

Give to the Pamela Ann Merry Endowed Scholarship

Paul and Gertrude Parker met as children in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Parker came to America in 1947, and married Gertrude in 1958. Gertrude completed 3 years of medical studies in Vienna. Once in America, she chose to support Paul, their daughter Claudia, and care for the household. Gertrude died in 2006 and was remembered by her husband affectionately for their lifetime of friendship, support and love.

Dr. Parker began his career with MSU in 1958 in the Department of Physics. In 1967, he was recruited by Dean Frederic Dutton to join the faculty of Lyman Briggs College, then a new residential college at MSU. Dr. Parker designed the original physics curriculum that was started one year after the foundation of the College. In 1972, Dr. Parker was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award. During his 13 years in Lyman Briggs College, Dr. Parker maintained a joint appointment with the Department of Physics. He retired in 1993.

Dr. Parker established this scholarship to encourage and reward LBC students with preference for those who have been academically successful in the required undergraduate physics courses.

Give to the Paul and Gertrude Parker Endowed Scholarship 

Dr. and Mrs. Spees grew up in Indiana. Esther graduated from Ball State University, taught a wide variety of business courses, and finished her career teaching at Lansing Community College. Steven graduated from Purdue University and the University of Southern California. Before coming to MSU and LBC in 1967, he taught at the Ohio State University and the University of Minnesota. He and physicist Paul Parker developed a combined chemistry-physics course for LBC. After many years of teaching, Steven served as associate dean of the college until his retirement in 2011. Steven and Esther Spees established this endowment to support scholarships for students in Lyman Briggs College.

Give to the Steven T. and Esther M. Spees Scholarship

This scholarship was established to support future scientists and mathematicians who will be pursuing non-medical or health care careers. It is the hopes of the donors that this funding will allow students to reduce their non-academically related work for pay and instead use the time to engage in efforts that support their learning and exploration of careers in science. 

Give to the STEM Scholars' Fund

Jennie Orr Thomas, M.D. graduated from Lyman Briggs in 1973, one of only seven women in a class of over 100 Computer Science majors on the entire MSU campus. Dr. Thomas and her husband Daniel created this scholarship for students in Lyman Briggs College. Preference will be given to students in a STEM field who have demonstrated potential for leadership in promoting cross-cultural understanding, contributed to the intellectual and cultural enrichment of Lyman Briggs because of life experiences, have overcome significant obstacles, or who have exhibited leadership skills in the face of adversity. Eligibility is open to all without restriction or preference based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or other protected personal identity.

Give to the Jennie Orr Thomas and Daniel Thomas Scholarship for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion