DENSO has renewed its commitment to support and provide educational opportunities for the communities it serves in West Michigan. DENSO Manufacturing Michigan (DMMI) in Battle Creek, the city’s largest employer and one of the top automotive thermal systems and component producers, recently awarded scholarships to four outstanding students through partnerships with the Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center (BCAMSC).
Scholarship resources come from the DMMI Scholarship Fund, which DENSO established in 1997 to assist children of employees with the rising cost of higher education.
“Ensuring our associates and their families have resources to develop tools to succeed is a core value at DENSO,” said Andris Staltmanis, president, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan. “Our scholarship fund allows us to extend beyond the work day and provide opportunities for our family members to flourish.”
The 2017 BCCF scholarship recipients are Jayson Butler and Calder Lachance of Lakeview High School and Ian Mullis of Saint Philip Catholic Central High School. Butler plans to attend Michigan State University and major in chemistry this fall. Lachance will study political science at the University of Michigan and Mullis will begin engineering studies at Kellogg Community College. A selection committee from the BCCF chooses winners based on student activities and work experience.
The BCAMSC scholarship promotes math and science education and excellence, recognizing outstanding graduates with financial assistance for college expenses. Staff at the BCAMSC selects two outstanding students for the scholarship each year. Lachance and Ana Singh, also of Lakeview High School, received this year’s scholarships. Singh will attend Calvin College to study biology and Spanish.
“The education you’ve received at the Math and Science Center has given you an excellent start,” said Brenda Dredge, director of new product introduction, DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, in a speech to students at the BCAMSC. “We are fortunate to have the Math and Science Center in our community, and we are proud to help you as you start your college studies and this next phase of your lives.”
