MPPA’s Board of Commissioners will select one eligible student to obtain the Janet and Richard Gorman Scholarship of $2,500 in the Fall of 2025. The scholarship fund is applicable for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Gormans started the scholarship in 1989 after Richard retired from his role as MPPA’s first general manager. Today, the scholarship has a proud history of supporting students as they learn and grow both personally and professionally.
Richard Gorman’s Role in MPPA’s Creation
Richard earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan and notably served as the city manager of Petoskey for nearly 20 years before joining MPPA.
Richard leveraged his exceptional leadership skills to help create the agency and develop many of its first projects.
The scholarship aims to continue the Gormans’ legacy of leadership, encouraging students to embrace opportunities to drive positive change in their respective fields.
How to Apply
MPPA is proud to help manage the scholarship and welcomes eligible students to apply. Applicants must be enrolled in colleges, universities, junior colleges, or community colleges in Michigan.
Application Requirements
- Children and/or legal wards of employees of a member of MPPA who is employed by the Council, Commission, or Board of Trustees having general management over the utility system of that MPPA member; and
- Children and/or legal wards of MPPA employees.
Meet 2024-2025 Scholarship Recipient: Caden Bruinsma
One year ago, MPPA selected Caden Bruinsma to receive the Gorman scholarship. Since May of 2024, Caden has been a co-op engineer at Holland Board of Public Works.
His future plans are deeply rooted in where his education began. Caden intends to continue working for a West Michigan municipality to create sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
Caden attributes his success in transitioning from academics to a professional career to the support of the Janet & Richard Gorman scholarship.
Application and Selection Criteria
MPPA’s Board of Commissioners is looking forward to reviewing applications and awarding the Janet & Richard Gorman scholarship to a hard-working, eligible student. To apply, complete the scholarship application and email a finished copy to mcornelius@mpower.org by August 1, 2025.