Graduate with his family

SMC Foundation

Your Support Changes Lives and Builds Futures

Education is the gateway to a better future, both for individual students and for all of us whom their work affects, whether they are our children's kindergarten teachers, the nurses caring for our loved ones, or the farmer using new technologies to keep us all fed.

Each year, hundreds of SMC students rely on the scholarships provided by generous donors to pursue their goals and reach their potential.

The mission of the Southwestern Michigan College Foundation is to inspire donors to bridge the financial gap through scholarships and educational investments, thereby opening doors to change lives through higher education and career training.

Please consider making a gift of any amount to support the next generation of impact-makers in our communities.

 

Make a Donation

Give online now to make an immediate contribution to student success. 

GIVE NOW

Provide long-term support through a planned gift, such as insurance, real estate, memorial scholarships, or bequests.

GIVE LATER

Aerial photo of the SMC Dowagiac cmapus

About the SMC Foundation

The SMC Foundation exists to ensure that all eligible students have financial access to Southwestern Michigan College. It also supports the college in areas not funded through taxes, tuition, and grants like campus beautification projects.

The foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation that was established in 1970. It is governed by a board of directors made up of local community members who volunteer their time.

Graduates exiting the commencement ceremony

Foundation Values

Invest in Students

Stewardship of Fiduciary Resources

Enhance Educational Opportunities

Enrich Our Communities through Access to Higher Education

Foundation Officers

Dr. Carole Schmidt, President

Tom Ellspermann, Vice President

Diana Bosch, Secretary

Michelle Kite, Treasurer

Emily Schrock, Executive Director

Foundation Directors

Jan Barkell

Michele Boyd

Hon. Susan Dobrich

Julie Dye

Terry Groth

Ron Gunn

Deborah Hackworth

Tom Jerdon

Richard "Dick" Judd Jr.

Krin Jurgensen

Greg Lozeau

Becky Moore

Patricia "Patty" Patano

David Tate

George Wehrle

William White

Honorary Directors

Ada Springsteen

Arthur "Bruce" Springsteen

Emeritus Directors

Wellington "Duke" Jones III

By the Numbers

$1 Million

In Scholarships Each Year

14,000+

SMC Graduates

60%

Students Financially Needy

$5,429

Avg. Grants and Scholarships