Scholarships and Grants
Grants
Richard L. Wendorf Veteran Assistance Fund
Opens:
Continuous
Closes:
N/A
Award:
Funds will be used to support students enrolled at MSU needing assistance with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency expenses surrounding situations such as but not limited to accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, or need for temporary housing. Preference will be given to students who are currently serving in or veterans of the United States Military, and/or their dependents, including spouses and children. Additional preference will be given to students in their junior or senior year. The amount of the award varies based on student need, but shall not exceed $1000 per semester per student with a maximum $2000 per academic year. Eligibility for funding is determined in consultation with the Office of Financial Aid (OFA). As such, OFA requires documentation for certain expenses in order to approve funds or increase a student’s Cost of Attendance for many of the emergency needs students are facing.
History:
Richard (Dick) Wendorf grew up in rural community southeast of Tekonsha, Michigan, and graduated from Quincy High School. His father, a farmer, taught Wendorf the value of hard work, as he often helped on the family farm. Wendorf began working at a construction company as a laborer in 1957 and was drafted into the U.S Army in 1961, serving in the 34th Armor Regiment as a tank driver. Serving in the U.S. Army gave Wendorf a true understanding of how courageous veterans are for their personal sacrifice to the United States. "I have such a passion for veterans and what they've done for us, they deserve much more, attention, respect and to be welcomed back," he said. After serving, Wendorf returned home in 1963 and began working immediately at the same construction company, T. A. Forsberg Inc. in Okemos, MI. His superiors noticed his work ethic and intuition to learn from others, he was soon promoted to the position of Foreman, Superintendent and eventually General Superintendent. In 2023, Wendorf has established another endowment through the Student Veteran Resource Center to provide timely assistance to those who face financial barriers on the path to graduation.
Marguerite A. Dewitt Student Veteran Emerging Needs Fund
Opens:
Continuous
Closes:
N/A
Award:
Funds will be used to support students enrolled at MSU needing assistance with educational costs and extraordinary and unexpected hardships, such as but not limited to accidents, illness, death of a family member, fire damage, or need for temporary housing. Preference will be given to students who are currently serving in or veterans of the United States Military, and/or their dependents, including spouses and children. The amount of the award varies based on student need, but shall not exceed $1000 per semester per student with a maximum $2000 per academic year. Eligibility for funding is determined in consultation with the Office of Financial Aid (OFA). As such, OFA requires documentation for certain expenses in order to approve funds or increase a student’s Cost of Attendance for many of the emergency needs students are facing.
History:
Marguerite (Sandy) DeWitt and her husband Richard De Witt worked on and enjoyed MSU campus for many years. Sandy spent her time on campus tending to sick students as a nurse in Olin Health Center. Her passion for nursing and her compassion for people carried on into her retirement, as she continued to volunteer and help those in her community. Her commitment to helping others has extended to supporting the needs of student veterans at MSU.
Scholarships
Lou Bender Endowed Scholarship

Opens:
February 10, 2025
Closes:
March 10, 2025
Award:
A minimum $500 for veterans attending MSU to be awarded for spring, summer or fall semester. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Qualified applicants must have served on active duty in any branch of the U.S. military, received an honorable discharge, and must show financial need as determined by the Federal Government according to its policies and procedures. Recipients may be undergraduate or graduate students. Preference will be given to veteran students who have exhausted their VA benefits prior to graduation and need funds to complete their degrees.
History:
In 1966 Lou Bender was drafted into the US Army, 1st Infantry Division, better known as the Big Red 1. He served his nation in Vietnam with honor and distinction, garnering two Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1968, and has been active in Veterans affairs throughout the remainder of his life.
Bender earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1971, and was elected to Excalibur, an honorary society that yearly recognizes Thirteen Outstanding Senior Men. He earned his Masters of Arts degree in Communication Arts and Sciences from Michigan State University in 1974, and was honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award, presented to an outstanding graduate student each year. In 1987, Michigan State University honored Bender with its prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award, in recognition of his distinguished career.
Lou Bender passed away on February 24th, 2019
Application:
https://sle.msu.edu/scholarshipsDoane VET Success Scholarship

Opens:
February 10, 2025
Closes:
March 10, 2025
Award:
A minimum $500 for veterans attending MSU to be awarded for spring, summer or fall semester. Funds will be administered in accordance to the following requirements: (i) Must have served on active duty in any branch of the military; (ii) Must show financial need as determined by the Federal Government according to its policies and procedures; (iii) Funds may be awarded for tuition, books, housing or childcare.
History:
“Bud” Doane, Jr. graduated from MSU in 1948 with a degree from the College of Business. Bud loved airplanes as a young boy. During WWII he enlisted in the Army Air Force Pilot Training Program. When he graduated from high school, while awaiting active duty orders, he studied engineering at MSU which helped later when dealing with aircraft. After the war, he returned to MSU and finished his degree in Business on the G.I. Bill. Following graduation, Bud re-entered the Air Force for four more years, flying several airplanes in several places, including Korea. After the war, Bud returned to East Lansing and met and married Dorothy M. “Dottie” Doane. Bud then joined the International Programs staff, and the Doanes traveled extensively for MSU to help establish the MSU presence in Nigeria, Pakistan, Nepal, and other places. Bud retired from MSU as Director of the Office of Overseas Support.
Application:
https://sle.msu.edu/scholarshipsDoane VET Study Abroad Scholarship
Opens:
February 10, 2025
Closes:
March 10, 2025
Award:
The Charles and Dorothy Doane Veterans Education Trust (VET) Study Abroad Scholarship has been established to meet the needs of veterans enrolled at MSU where the funds will make the greatest impact. The endowment will provide a minimum of $500 Study Abroad Scholarship for veterans attending MSU to be awarded spring, summer or fall semester.