The Edward and Inez Donley Scholarship Program at Lawrence Technological University was created by Lawrence Tech alumnus Edward Donley, BME’43, and his wife, Inez, to help gifted, but financially disadvantaged, students achieve and succeed in the changing global economy. The intent is not only to develop Donley Scholars as outstanding students and future leaders, but as well-rounded individuals who understand what it means to be responsible citizens. Through a four-year program of scholarships, counseling, international educational experences, and challenging course work, these students may enter directly into a graduate program, or into a professional career.

Students selected as Donley Scholars receive full financial support, including tuition, books, fees, a state-of-the-art laptop, and participation in the University housing and meal plan. They also participate in a summer internship and travel experience aimed at solidifying their appreciation and understanding of the global marketplace as related to their chosen field of study. They receive an unprecedented level of support and personal mentoring from the president and chief executive officer of Lawrence Tech, senior members of the University’s executive leadership team, and members of the University’s Board of Trustees. This one-on-one interaction not only provides extraordinary personal, career, and academic counseling and networking, it challenges Donley Scholars to realize their full potential. Additionally, a special leadership advisor and mentor helps students identify the appropriate courses, extracurricular activities, and summer educational experiences to challenge them.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

The Edward and Inez Donley Scholarship Program at Lawrence Tech offers unprecedented support for academically gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds.

Regardless of what majors Donley Scholars may choose, they participate in classes and experiences selected to help them appreciate the international aspects of their chosen field at the highest level of leadership through theory and practice. Donley Scholars also participate in programs to help them understand the essence of entrepreneurship and leadership. Instilling an appreciation of the challenges entrepreneurs face is intended to prepare students to address related issues often encountered in the workplace, graduate school, or in the process of establishing their own businesses.

Donor Edward Donley is uniquely aware of the challenges students will face in the business world and the preparation they need to become leaders and entrepreneurs. He led the growth of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., from a small local firm to a Fortune 200 company and retired as chairman. He also served as chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He and Inez are committed to providing an outstanding private education to strong academic achievers who might not otherwise be able to afford such an opportunity.

Students participating in the Donley Scholarship Program represent “the best and the brightest” Lawrence Tech has to offer. It is expected that the Donley Scholarship Program will become one of the preeminent programs in the nation designed to help gifted students realize their full potential.

Application

Application to the Donley Scholarship Program is competitive and includes participation in a subject review competition and a personal interview with members of a scholarship selection team. For more information, visit ltu.edu/futurestudents/freshman/scholarships.asp or contact the Office of Financial Aid at 248.204.2121

Selection Criteria

Scholarship eligibility is based on a number of factors consistent with the desires of the donors. The Donley Scholarship award is based on merit and financial need for a period of four and utilizes the following criteria to identify candidates:

• Open to any prospective or current Lawrence Tech student
• Preference to a full-time student
• Preference to racial, gender, and geographic diversity, and to students in a Lawrence Tech engineering program
• Demonstrated financial need
• Applicants must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher and an ACT score of 30 or higher
• Awards may be made to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Past recipients are eligible to receive the award in future years, but must re-apply
• Maximum amount available per student is $25,000 annually. The University may choose to divide this scholarship into multiple awards at its discretion
• Donley Scholars must agree to complete their degree requirements within four years
• Donley Scholars are expected to abide by the highest academic and professional standards
• Recipients must detail how the scholarship has benefited their education in a letter addressed to either the donors or the University’s Office of Financial Aid before their scholarship may be renewed

The Donley Scholarship is administered by the University Scholarship Committee and the Office of Financial Aid. Lawrence Technological University is a Michigan nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation as defined by the IRS. Annual spending levels for endowed funds are determined by policies established by Lawrence Tech’s Board of Trustees.