Matt Valleau, president of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, created the scholarship this past spring. Valleau said the idea was sparked at Purdue while he and his fraternity brothers were attending a regional Phi Sigma Kappa convention.
“We know a lot of freshmen get shell-shocked when they enter a campus for the first time,” said Valleau. “We want this scholarship to encourage students to be leaders, and help with the cost of tuition.”
William Mitch, co-founder and new member educator for the fraternity, said the scholarship relates to the fraternity’s cardinal principles of brotherhood, scholarship and character.
“We decided we didn’t do enough to stimulate scholarship in young people,” said Mitch. “We set up this scholarship to help young, well-rounded leaders get their foot in the door.”
After collaborating with Valleau, Mitch said he began discussing the details of the scholarship.
“Matt was the voice and brain, and I was the body,” said Mitch. “I set up meetings, did the paperwork and wrote out detailed plans for the scholarship’s future.”
Mitch said the scholarship is currently $500, but people are able to donate through Ferris’ Web site. He said he hopes it will grow each year.
According to Valleau, the scholarship’s application will be available to incoming freshmen through Ferris’ financial aid website. Valleau said the application will also include an essay on the importance of being a well-rounded student. The essays will then be judged by the Phi Sigma Kappa board of Alumni.
Associate Vice President for Advancement Carla Miller met with Mitch and Valleau to create the scholarship.
“It’s really a testament to how much they care about their calling across campus,” said Miller.
Valleau said he hopes it will set an example for other student organizations at Ferris.
To become involved in Phi Sigma Kappa’s scholarship effort, students can call University Advancement and Marketing at ext. 3827. n