Karen Thompson and her family

The Karen S. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Endowment will benefit people having experienced life as either a single parent, or the son or daughter of a single parent.

Having been a single parent herself, Thompson understands the daily demands placed on a household with one parent. This is why she decided to establish an endowment that would assist men and women who are beginning their studies at Ferris.

"Taking out a life insurance policy (deferred gift) was a really affordable way for me to do something for Ferris State University," said Thompson, who has worked as an investment and grants officer for the University since 1990. "As a single parent I'm not a wealthy person, but I really felt I should give something back to Ferris - it's such a great place to work and the community is a great place to raise a family.

"The idea of doing something for other single parents or students who have been part of a single parent family makes me feel like I can really help someone out," she added.

Once endowed, scholarships will be awarded to candidates in good academic standing who experienced life as a single parent, or the son or daughter of a single parent; reside in Lake, Mecosta, Newaygo or Osceola counties; maintain a cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 and are accepted as a full-time, first-year student at the University. Scholarship funds may be applied to costs related to attending the University including tuition, books and other education-related expenses.

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