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Scholarships for Incoming Students

Scholarships for Incoming Students

Applications for Fall 2026 incoming student scholarships have now closed Contact Jahshua Smith (jmcadmin@msu.edu) with questions.

One $1,750 award for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 4 years)

Open to every admitted student in the first-year class, this scholarship is designed to introduce students to the college’s focus on interdisciplinary study in the social sciences and public affairs. This award is supported through the JMC Alumni Association.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

One $4,000 award for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 4 years)

This gift honors A. Gordon Adams, Jr. a 1942 graduate of Michigan State University who spent most of his professional career with the First Michigan Corporation specializing in bond sales for government units, agencies and public service organizations. His own career has affirmed his belief in the benefits of a broad and liberal education and in the importance of students whose understandings of public affairs can forge public and private linkages that emphasize the value of service.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

One $3,250 award for 2026-2027 (non-renewable)

This scholarship honors two accomplished and generous supporters of James Madison College, Michigan State University and public affairs education. Ms. Marilyn Darling is a graduate of the college as well as a very active leader of Madison’s Board of Visitors. It is the donor’s hope that recipients of this award will feel an ethical obligation at a future date to support the college and actively participate in assisting future generations of Madison students.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity

One $3,000 award for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 4 years) 

Open for students admitted to James Madison College’s first-year class, with primary preference for graduates of high schools in Genesee County, Michigan. This award honors Daniel Oginsky, who grew up in the Flint, Michigan area before attending James Madison College and going on to law school. This award was created to support students from the Genesee County area who can in turn later help support their own communities.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

One $2,000 for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 4 years) 

Open to every student admitted to the James Madison College first-year class, this scholarship honors the family members of John Habib, a Diplomat in Residence with the U.S. State Department who has previously taught at James Madison College as a visiting professor. The awards are in honor of his nine siblings: Eva Malcoun, Agnes Moffett, Bergita Nahas, Jemelia Thomas, Backus Habib, Margaret Pagano, Lilian Andary, Joseph Habib and Thomas Habib.

John’s financial support for student scholarships serves to advance understanding, knowledge, and determination to seek solutions to complicated contemporary world issues.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

One $3,500 award for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 4 years)

Open to every student admitted to the James Madison College first year class, with primary preference for graduates of high schools in St. Clair County, Michigan. This scholarship honors James Madison College graduates Tom Tanton and Sally Geib. Both Ms. Geib and Mr. Tanton feel that JMC provided them with excellent education and opportunities. Mr. Tanton was born and raised in Port Huron. Ms. Geib and Mr. Tanton would like to give back to that community, and they wish to encourage students from the Port Huron area to attend MSU and James Madison College. 

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

One $1,500 Award for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 3 years)

James Madison College is pleased to announce The Blaney Scholarship for Technology and International Affairs. This scholarship is open to students interested in Technology and International Affairs. Recipients must be enrolled in James Madison College and pursuing a degree in the college. Preference shall be given to students pursuing interest in technology and international affairs. Applicants can be selected based on financial need as determined by the Federal Government according to its policies and practices. The scholarship can be renewed for up to an additional three years. Recipients will be selected during the Spring semester, with awards to be effective in the following Fall semester.  

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

Two $2,500 awards for 2026-2027 (non-renewable) 
 
Open to every student admitted to the James Madison College first year class, this scholarship is designed to emphasize the importance of access and opportunities in the college and will be awarded to the essayist most likely to contribute to or to actively support the expansion of access and opportunity in education. This award is supported through the JMC Alumni Association. 
 
In an essay of 400-600 words maximum, please respond to the following question: 
 
Access and opportunity describe whether people can meaningfully use institutions, services and pathways that lead to learning, work and civic participation. Social justice concerns fair relations in society and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Explain the relationship between access and opportunity and social justice. From your own experience, how have differences in background, place or resources shaped access to education, public services or civic life? Why is understanding this relationship important when engaging in public affairs? Provide a detailed example that illustrates a barrier you observed (or experienced) and one concrete step that improved — or could improve — access and opportunity.
 
MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or other protected personal identity. This scholarship is open to all incoming JMC students without restriction or preference based on protected personal identity.

One $7,000 award for 2026-2027 (renewable for up to 4 years)

The Nelson and Marlene Cummings Scholarship was founded by United States District Judge Jeffrey Cummings, a 1984 Madison graduate, to honor his parents and their life-long commitment to public affairs, civic activities, and education. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist James Madison College in its effort to recruit and retain students whose presence will further the College's compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a racially and ethnically diverse student body.