What do students say about working with the Cook Family Foundation?
Our goal is to have top students from ten high schools in the greater Shiawassee area be able to attend the best college they can. We love to hear from these students, their parents and others, and are proud to share a few of their comments:
“I can’t begin to express my gratitude over these past four years for the opportunities I’ve been afforded by participating in the Shiawassee Scholars program. I understand that the next four years will be challenging, but for a student from a small town like Corunna – the opportunities that the University of Michigan will offer in my educational experience will be world class. Thank you again for all of the experience, guidance and counseling that you and the Cook Foundation have provided!”
–Corunna HS Graduate
“…I am currently stationed at the Center for Marine Resource Studies in South Caicos where I am taking part in a study abroad program. I absolutely love that this UM-accredited program is allowing me to get hands-on, specialized field experience in the marine biological sciences. I think it is the perfect program for me and really shows the breadth of possibility for a UM education.”
–UM Biology and Environmental Studies Student
“Before getting to visit UM with the Cook Family Foundation my senior year of high school, I had never thought that I would be able to attend such a great university. “
–Corunna HS Graduate
“ . . .It is quite impossible for us to explain how large of an impact you have made upon our family. The financial burden that you have lightened with your scholarship will have a life-long effect on so many levels that it cannot be captured within this letter. It is appreciated more than you can ever know, and it will always be a major point of pride to call E. a Bruce and Jacqueline Cook Scholar!….”
–Parents of Owosso HS Graduate
“We are very very excited he chose U of M and that he was accepted to the Ross Business School. He is also very excited! His enthusiasm is so rewarding and gratifying! We are such proud parents as he is such a wonderful young man. He has already accomplished a lot in his short life and we cannot wait to see what he does with his U of M business degree! We know he will represent the Cook Family very proudly. Thank you again for the scholarship and for all the wonderful work you do for these young students! It is very admirable and very much appreciated.”–Parents of Laingsburg HS Graduate
“I would like to thank you for all of the guidance and support that you have offered to myself and other Shiawassee area students through the U of M tours, financial assistance, and information that you provide”…. “Your community involvement and financial generosity is a great credit to Shiawassee area students.”
–Ovid-Elsie HS Graduate
“….We are extremely proud of the young man our son has become and in his achievements–but we also know he has had a lot of great help over the years. YOU ALL have been such a large part of those accomplishments for him and countless others!…”
–Parents of Owosso HS Graduate
“I was able to develop a network of peers within my major, study abroad in Japan, be a member of the Michigan Marching Band, participate in Greek Life, and so much more”
–BS Computer Science Major, UM Graduate; Laingsburg
“I personally wanted to reach out and thank you for helping both of our children attend the University of Michigan with financial scholarships and also through your support. It was very special to me as a parent to see that there are people like you, who see the potential in our kids and are willing to invest in their future. I am excited to see where our son will be when he graduates next spring and look forward to sending our daughter there for the next four years and watch her grow at Ross Business . . .”
–Parent of two Ovid-Elsie HS Graduates/UM Graduates
” . . . I wanted to let you know how often I have thought of you over the past many (too many) years. Being the only person to attend college from my blue-collar family, you were the first very successful business person whom I had the pleasure of meeting. . . . I wanted you to know how important your mentorship was and is to so many kids-especially those like me who had potential yet no one to show them the path to their future nor the finances to pursue it. . . . . Thank you for your very generous support and guidance of impressionable young people as well as all of the wonderful works that you conduct through the Cook Family Foundation. I am living proof of your incredible legacy.”
–Byron HS Graduate & MSU Graduate
“I cannot express in words how much you and your foundation’s efforts have affected and assisted me in these past few years of my life. Your insight, assistance and support throughout my high school years and application process are things I could not have gotten from anyone else. . . .
The trip to Michigan’s campus and the tour of the Big House were absolutely amazing experiences and things I will never forget. But most of all, . . your scholarship is something that could completely change the course of my life, and I cannot express in mere words how much it means to me. Thank you so much for everything.”
–New Lothrop HS Graduate
“I would like to thank you for awarding me a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan. I am pleased with my choice to attend. I was accepted into UROP and am currently working with a PhD Professor who is researching immunology. My research learning experience is amazing. . . .
My first semester is behind me and I am proud to say that I did well with my classes. I am looking forward to what my future at U of M will hold.
–Corunna HS Graduate
“. . . .I would like to update you on my final semester here at Michigan: In April, I will be receiving my Bachelor of Science from the College of LSA in Biochemistry and Near Eastern Studies – Arabic Linguistics. I am currently writing an honor’s thesis in biochemistry through the laboratory located in the Pediatric Intensive Care department of the university hospital. My lab is incredible as they teach me so many real-world scientific techniques while continually supporting my educational journey in college and beyond. . . . . . Reflecting back on my time here, I wouldn’t have changed a single class. Each one in their own right was challenging or fascinating or unique enough to open my mind and keep me continually thinking. . . . .
–Perry HS graduate & UM Graduate
“I am so grateful for the opportunities you have provided me. Four years ago as a brand new Shiawassee Scholar I had no idea what I was getting into. Before I graduated I had completed extensive reviews of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the University of Notre Dame. . . Your contributions made it possible for me to see the possibilities of higher education. I appreciate your support during the entire precollege process. .”
–Durand HS Graduate
“My scholarship is making a difference in my life because it allows me to receive an education at one of the best universities in the world without causing me undue stress over how I will pay for tuition and living costs. If I could, I would love to give every student in financial need the same peace of mind to freely pursue a degree at a place like UM and to graduate debt-free. It is a gift and something that I appreciate each and every day.”
–Owosso HS Graduate
“This scholarship is making an incredible difference in my life. Without it, I would not be in the situation that I am in today-graduating this spring with minimal debt. Every day I am able to go to class, work and participate in extracurricular activities because of your generosity. During my time here I have been exposed to so many new experiences and presented with just as many opportunities. . . . I cannot wait to see where my Michigan education takes me in the future. Thank you, this scholarship has changed my life in all of the best ways.”
–Owosso HS Graduate & UM Graduate
“Your support has meant so much and has allowed me to experience many things that, without such support, I would never have had the opportunity to experience. . . . to join fantastic groups on campus, such as the Michigan Marching Band. Coming from such a small high school, with a graduating class of only about 75 students, to Michigan as a freshman was exciting, but also very scary and intimidating. (Being able to turn to those close friends in the band) has given me a support group that I can turn to whenever times get stressful. Thank you so much for the impact you’ve had on my life, for giving me the opportunity to come to one of the greatest public institutions for higher education. Forever and always, Go Blue!
–Laingsburg HS Graduate
Come visit our Scholarship Overview page to learn more about how we can help our best students attend the University of Michigan.