The memory of Dr. Ellen Haneline, former Dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences, will live on through the newly established Ferris State University Ellen Haneline Scholarship.
The scholarship was created by her husband Dr. Douglas Haneline, a Ferris Language and Literature professor and his daughter Elizabeth, a Ferris computer technician for a student in the allied health program. A ceremony to introduce the new scholarship will be held April 29 at 2 p.m. in the atrium of the Michigan College of Optometry Building.
Dean of the College of Allied Health Julie Coon explained the scholarship was formed in memory of Dr. Ellen Haneline to “support students,” as Haneline did for more than 25 years at Ferris.
“I am always very pleased to have more scholarship funding available to students, but this one is special because it is directed to students who are enrolled in our health programs at Ferris. And of course it is very special to have this particular scholarship established in memory of a beloved colleague,” Coon said.
She continued by saying the scholarship reflects the dedication Haneline had for students who were in need of financial aid.
Dr. Haneline said he and his wife first came to Big Rapids in 1984 and “spent most of our lives here.” After his wife’s passing on Oct. 10, 2010, Dr. Haneline and his daughter decided to establish a scholarship in the field his wife loved the most.
“Advancing Allied Health Education was a lifetime goal for Ellen. My daughter Elizabeth and I wanted to do something of permanent benefit to Ferris students pursuing Allied Health Careers,” D. Haneline said. “Ferris students into the future will receive help they need to achieve their career goals.”
The first Ellen Haneline Scholarship will be awarded to a student in the CAHS program beginning in the 2012-13 academic year. D. Haneline said the scholarship will generate $1,000 per year.
A committee will be formed to determine the qualifications for the application and the CAHS will decide who the scholarship will be awarded to.
“Because the scholarship will be awarded to a student who is enrolled in and making good progress in one of our programs, it is our hope that this financial assistance will contribute to their ultimate success as a CAHS graduate,” Coon said. “There are so many students with financial need that any scholarship opportunity is an investment in a student’s future.”
For more information about the scholarship or the ceremony, contact the CAHS office at ext. 2270. n