Muter Outdoor Fund Announces 2025 John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship Recipients

The Muter Outdoor Fund is pleased to announce its eighth 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 four winners were selected from a highly-qualified pool of 26 applicants representing 12 Michigan colleges and universities. Recipients were selected based on 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 his or her 2025-2026 academic expenses. Our four recipients for 2025 include:

Hailey Bos Muskegon, Michigan • Grand Valley State University 

Hailey is a rising senior at Grand Valley State University majoring in advertising and public relations. She currently serves as the president of GVSU’s Ski and Snowboard Club where she helps connect students to the joy of outdoor winter sports. A lifelong resident of West Michigan, Hailey grew up along the lakeshore and has spent the past nine years snowboarding. This experience has continued to shape her deep appreciation for nature and adventure. After graduation, Hailey plans to pursue a career with an outdoor or adventure sports company leading their advertising team. Her goal is to help brands stand out with authentic storytelling that inspires people to explore nature and enjoy all it has to offer.

Brayden Heemer East Tawas, Michigan • Lake Superior State University 

Brayden is entering his senior year at Lake Superior State University where he is majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in conservation officer studies. He is a dedicated student-athlete, a member of the LSSU Track and Field team, and actively involved with Ducks Unlimited. An avid outdoorsman, Brayden’s connection to nature runs deep. Whether it’s bass fishing, fly fishing, or hunting, he seizes every opportunity to explore Michigan’s diverse landscapes. He also spends time working at his family’s hunting camp continuing traditions that have shaped his values and skills. Passionate about protecting Michigan’s natural resources, Brayden is preparing for a career that blends his love for the outdoors with public service. Lauren Ossenheimer Negaunee, Michigan • Michigan Technological University

Lauren is a senior at Michigan Technological University majoring in human biology with minors in public health and pre-health. As a volunteer EMT, she plays a vital role in her community by responding to emergencies and ensuring safety in outdoor environments. At Michigan Tech, she works with the Outdoor Adventure Program to encourage students and community members to explore and engage with nature. After graduation, Lauren will be attending Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. She hopes to integrate her passion for the outdoors into her medical practice encouraging patients to enjoy nature safely and improve their health outcomes through outdoor activities. Katie Steinhaus  Merrill, Michigan • Saginaw Valley State University

Katie is entering her senior year at Saginaw Valley State University majoring in environmental science with minors in geospatial techniques and chemistry. She has been passionate about the outdoors since childhood enjoying activities like camping, hunting, fishing, paddling, and hiking. For the past three years, Katie has served as a trip leader for SVSU Outdoor Adventures guiding peers on backcountry and high-adventure trips. She also leads summer backpacking and paddling trips for middle and high school students through the Chippewa Nature Center and supports adults with disabilities during respite care weekends at the Fowler Center. At SVSU, Katie also conducts water quality research with the Saginaw Bay Environmental Science Institute. After graduation, she plans to work in environmental science and pursue graduate school.

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 $31,500 in scholarships to undergraduate students in Michigan. The application for the 2026 scholarship will be available beginning January 1, 2026, at www.muteroutdoorfund.org. The Muter Outdoor Fund has also helped support the Saginaw Bay Nature Festival spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Pinconning and Standish since 2019.

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