Muter Outdoor Fund Announces 2020 John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship Recipients

The Muter Outdoor Fund is pleased to announce its third annual cohort of John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship recipients. The scholarship program, launched in 2018, recognizes college undergraduates who are committed to engaging new audiences and new generations with Michigan’s natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. The program was established in memory of the late John Muter, an avid Michigan sportsman, who passed away in 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

The three winners were selected from a highly-qualified pool of 27 applicants, representing ten Michigan colleges and universities. Recipients were selected for their clear passion for Michigan and its outdoor opportunities as well as their demonstrated commitment of introducing others to those opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating and wildlife watching. Each winner received a $1,000 scholarship to support their 2020-2021 academic expenses.

Our three winners for 2020 include:

Grace Macomber

Saginaw, Michigan • Saginaw Valley State University

Grace is a senior at Saginaw Valley State University working towards her bachelor’s degree in biology. She has a passion for research and has conducted projects on topics ranging from invasive species and biodegradable materials to animal behavior. She also loves to share her passion for science and research with others. Grace has worked with SVSU’s Mobile Laboratory, the research schooner Appledore V, and Michigan United Conservation Club’s Michigan Out-Of-Doors Youth Camp. Grace plans to attend graduate school and aims to improve the ecological health of global systems through her work.

Benjamin Short

Bay City, Michigan • Lake Superior State University

Benjamin is a junior at Lake Superior State University pursuing a degree in Parks & Recreation Management. Growing up near Saginaw Bay, he has made it a point to give back to his local community. Most recently, Benjamin spent the past two summers working at Bay City State Park where he helped conduct youth fishing programs and collaborated with various community groups on vital maintenance and building projects in the park. At Lake State, he volunteers his time as the treasurer of the Fish & Wildlife Club. Benjamin plans to use his degree to work in either the state or national parks system.

Christian Stevens Alpena, Michigan • Michigan Technological University

Christian is a third-year student at Michigan Tech and is double majoring in Forestry and Wildlife Ecology & Management. He helped establish the university’s Mushing Club, a student organization that inspires hard work and dedication through the sport of sled dog racing. Personally, he has mushed in four races ranging from 30 to 150 miles in length and has assisted at races throughout the Midwest. Christian also works part-time for the Isle Royale Wolf and Moose Project, the world's longest-running predator and prey study.

About the Muter Outdoor Fund

The Muter Outdoor Fund is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, established to provide scholarships, grants and programs that promote outdoor recreation and celebrate Michigan's natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. Its first program, the John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship, recognizes college undergraduates who, like John, have demonstrated their commitment to introducing new audiences to fishing, hunting, and other forms of outdoor recreation in Michigan. Since its inception in 2018, the Muter Outdoor Fund has awarded $9,000 in scholarships to undergraduate students in Michigan. The application for the 2021 scholarship is now available at www.muteroutdoorfund.org. The Muter Outdoor Fund has also recently supported the Saginaw Bay Nature Festival spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Pinconning and Standish.

To learn more about the Muter Outdoor Fund and how you can support our scholarship program, please visit our website www.muteroutdoorfund.org or e-mail us at muteroutdoorfund@gmail.com.

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