It’s the time of year again when volunteers in the non-profit sector in Michigan’s Great Southwest are recognized for their efforts. Every year, United Way of Southwest Michigan recognizes outstanding volunteers of all ages in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties through several different awards.
· Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award
United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking nominations for the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award. This lifetime achievement award is given to one outstanding volunteer in Berrien County who has a history of service of more than 10 years, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or significant contribution to a single organization, and teamwork and leadership experience through various levels including physical, clerical, and/or service at the board level.
The winner will receive $3,500 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.
The 2022 winner of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award was Kathy Rossow.
· Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County
United Way of Southwest Michigan is accepting nominations for the Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County. This lifetime achievement award, which debuted last year, is named in honor of Cass County’s retired Chief Judge Susan L. Dobrich.
This award will be presented to one volunteer in Cass County, Michigan who demonstrates more than eight years of volunteer contributions, a diversity of volunteer experience with multiple organizations or a significant contribution to a single organization, and various levels of volunteer experience including teamwork, physical, clerical, and/or leadership.
The winner of this award will receive $3,500 that will be directed to a nonprofit that serves Cass County residents. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the McLoughlin Family Foundation.
The 2022 winner of the Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County was Chris D. Bergen.
The winners of the two awards above will be recognized at United Way’s annual Celebration event, to be held this coming spring.
· Volunteer United Youth Scholarship Awards
United Way of Southwest Michigan is now accepting applications for its annual Volunteer United Youth Scholarships. High-school seniors in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties with a record of volunteerism are encouraged to apply online for a $1,000 scholarship toward post-secondary credentials. Winning youth volunteers will demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism through Creativity, Dedication, and Advocacy for Community Improvement.
One winner will be chosen from Berrien County, one will be chosen from Cass County, and one will be chosen from Van Buren County. (Applicants must either live in or attend school in one of the three counties.)
Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship made out on their behalf to their college, university, trade school, or institution of higher learning that offers post-secondary credentials. Only current high-school seniors are eligible.
In 2022, the Volunteer United Youth Scholarships were awarded to Breckyn Bussey of St. Joseph High School, Alyssa Wilson of South Haven High School, and Katie Schaible of Edwardsburg High School.
Nominations and application submissions opened January 5, 2023. Deadline for nominations and applications is January 27, 2023. Nominations for the leadership awards must be done by a member of a local organization; self-nominations are not permitted. Students may apply on their own behalf for the youth scholarships.
For more information about the awards and scholarships and to submit nominations and applications online, visit uwsm.org/nominate-a-volunteer.
