Second-year students enrolled in the College of Education and Human Services at Ferris State University can now benefit from the contributions made to the Dr. Earl D. Gabriel Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund.

Michael Knape of Newaygo, Mich., recent recipient of the scholarship, is like a majority of today's students - strapped for cash and working hard to get through college with as little debt as possible.

"Money is a valuable commodity for most every college student, and I suppose I am the epitome of that harsh reality," says Knape. "I was fortunate enough to get a few scholarships right out of high school. That, combined with working every semester in college (as well as in high school) and commuting, I have managed to barely make it though without any debt. I must admit I am running on empty though, so the Earl D. Gabriel Memorial Scholarship was a big help to me."

Dr. Gabriel dedicated his professional career to the education of today's youth. He spent many years educating elementary students and providing leadership to the Dearborn Heights and St. Johns school districts. In addition, Gabriel was the program director for the Michigan Association of School Boards and an organizer of charter schools for Ferris State University.

"Earl was so dedicated to education on many levels," says his wife, Patricia. "Establishing this endowment for education students will allow Earl's legacy to live on for many years to come and help students achieve their goals with as little hardship as possible."

Scholarships are awarded to students with a 3.0 grade point average or higher. Awarded scholarships will be 25 percent of the cost of tuition and will be applied to the student's University account. The scholarship may be renewed, provided the recipient is making normal progress toward degree completion and is in good standing in accordance with the College's policy. Selection of candidates rests with the department chair and faculty of the School of Education.

"I would like to thank, once again, Pat Gabriel and her late husband, Earl, for the scholarship I received, along with the honor of being associated with a man as influential to education as Dr. Gabriel was," shares Knape. "This scholarship will help me attain my goal of becoming a biology teacher at the secondary level and continue the impact Dr. Gabriel had in education."

Michelle Johnston, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, is grateful for people like the Gabriels.

"Because the College of Education and Human Services has wonderful friends like Pat Gabriel, we can honor our excellent students," shared Johnston.

For more information or to make a gift to the Dr. Earl D. Gabriel Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, please contact the Ferris Foundation at (231) 591-2365 or fsufdn@ferris.edu. You can obtain details about establishing scholarships or endowments by calling the Advancement Office at (231) 591-3815.