Muter Outdoor Fund Announces 2019 John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship Recipients
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 7, 2019 CONTACT: Bret Muter, 989.284.0976, muteroutdoorfund@gmail.com
The Muter Outdoor Fund is pleased to announce its second annual cohort of John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship recipients. The scholarship program, launched in 2018, recognizes college undergraduates who are committed to engaging new audiences and new generations with Michigan’s natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. The program was established in memory of the late John Muter, an avid Michigan sportsman, who passed away in 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
The three winners were selected from a highly-qualified pool of 21 applicants, representing ten Michigan colleges and universities. Recipients were selected for their clear passion for Michigan and its outdoor opportunities as well as their demonstrated commitment of introducing others to those opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating and wildlife watching. Each winner received a $1,000 scholarship to support their 2019-2020 academic expenses.
Our three winners for 2019 include:
JACKLYN LENTEN
Negaunee, Michigan • Northern Michigan University
As a senior at Northern Michigan University, Jacklyn has a “special pride” for the natural beauty of northern Michigan. She is actively involved with the NMU Conservation Crew as well as the school’s Environmental Science Camp which engages high school students with scientists to explore how technology and field experiences are used to study the environment. She was also recently accepted into MSU Extension’s prestigious Lake & Stream Leaders Institute. Jacklyn plans to attend graduate school to pursue her interests in wetlands and amphibian conservation.
MAGKENA SZEMAK
Ann Arbor, Michigan • Central Michigan University
Magkena is a third-year honors student at Central Michigan University majoring in environmental science and minoring in community health. By bringing these two fields of study together, she hopes to address environmental health concerns impacting marginalized communities in Michigan and elsewhere. At Central, Magkena conducts research and outreach with the Institute for Great Lakes Research. She volunteers as a counselor for the 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp and serves as the Vice President of Scouting & Youth Services for the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity.
JACOB ZONA Albion, Michigan • Saginaw Valley State University
Jacob is entering his final year at Saginaw Valley State University where he is studying both biology and chemistry. He currently serves as the president of The Biology Club at SVSU and, in his tenure, has helped the organization become more engaged with the local community. In addition to outreach, Jacob is passionate about research. He has conducted research projects on topics ranging from animal behavior to environmental health of the Saginaw Bay watershed. After finishing his degree, he plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in conservation research.
About the Muter Outdoor Fund
The Muter Outdoor Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, established to provide scholarships, grants and programs that promote outdoor recreation and celebrate Michigan's natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. Its first program, the John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship, recognizes college undergraduates who, like John, have demonstrated their commitment to introducing new audiences to fishing, hunting, and other forms of outdoor recreation in Michigan. Since its inception in 2018, the Muter Outdoor Fund has awarded $6,000 in scholarships to undergraduate students in Michigan. The Muter Outdoor Fund has also recently supported the Saginaw Bay Nature Festival spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Pinconning and Standish.
To learn more about the Muter Outdoor Fund and how you can support our scholarship program, please visit our website www.muteroutdoorfund.org or e-mail us at muteroutdoorfund@gmail.com.
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