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Foreign Language Scholarship / Development News CMU grad honors father with scholarship
Professor Gilles Labrie assists students in CMU's Foreign Language Lab. Labrie's son, John Labrie, established a scholarship in honor of his retirement from CMU next year. When foreign language professor Gilles Labrie retires next year, his son, John Labrie, ’89, has found a fitting tribute to mark his father’s 38 years at CMU. He recently established the Gilles Labrie Scholarship, which will provide scholarships to CMU students majoring in French. Students can use the scholarship to assist with tuition costs or to study abroad. “I wanted to give my father a retirement gift that would commemorate his many years of dedicated work while also helping young people, which has been a major focus of his life,” said John. Labrie’s father was surprised and proud to learn about his son’s plans. “I had no idea John was developing a scholarship in my name,” said Gilles. “Needless to say, I am very pleased. Scholarships are important because they recognize the efforts and accomplishments of students, and they provide financial support at a time when education is becoming increasingly expensive.” Most French language students spend at least one semester studying in France or Quebec, something that both John and his father believe is critical for developing foreign language skills. “Immersion provides insight into the culture of a country and necessitates the use of the foreign language in a way that facilitates rapid and higher level learning,” said John. “I hope this scholarship will make it easier for students to pursue international study while at CMU.” When John attended Central, he spent one summer studying at the University of Cambridge in England, funded in part by a scholarship. “It was a fabulous experience that really opened my eyes to the world,” said John. “I met people who still have an impact on my life and traveled extensively throughout England and Wales. The experience helped me become more focused and driven academically, but the most important aspect was getting to know people from around the world.” Students applying for the Labrie Scholarship must have a signed French major and maintain a 3.0 or higher grade point average. The first scholarship will be awarded next spring. John Labrie is vice president of Con-way Inc. and president of Con-Way Transportation Services. Con-way Transportation is one of three primary business units that comprise Con-way Inc., a fortune 500 company that specializes in transportation and logistics. Named Scholarships CMU donors have established a variety of scholarships to honor parents, spouses, children and faculty members. These scholarships create a lasting tribute to family and friends and provide a permanent source of funding to assist students with the costs of pursuing a university degree. To see a list of all scholarships offered by the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, visit www.chsbs.cmich.edu/chsbs/scholarships.htm.
Endowments provide promise without end What is an endowment, and why is it so important to Central Michigan University? An endowment is simply the time-honored method of allocating certain gifts, be they current or future gifts, to an investment portfolio. The endowed fund is invested to earn income each year, and as the principal grows, so does the income available to award. Thus, an endowment is a promise without end. The minimum amount necessary to establish a new endowment at CMU is $25,000. This amount can be paid all at once or in payments (typically three to five years). Once the fund reaches $25,000, it will payout to purpose. Until $25,000 is reached, the interest gained is reinvested in the fund. Many times, donors also choose to provide a “current-use” gift while their endowment is building. For example, a donor paying a $25,000 pledge over five years ($5,000 per year) would also supply the $1,200 in current-use money to start making an annual award, therefore seeing the immediate impact of the gift. When it comes to planning for the future, philanthropy and smart financial strategies can go hand in hand. CMU offers a wide variety of planned giving options that help assure the future of CMU while adding to the security of a donor’s portfolio. Expert estate planning can help to increase the return on current investments, allow for income tax and estate tax deductions, or provide for children and other beneficiaries while making a gift to CMU. If you’re interested in learning more about endowments and giving options at CMU, please contact Alison Miller, director of development for the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, at 989-774-3354, or you may e-mail her at mille1as@cmich.edu. |
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