Nov 22
Dec 17, 2020
Archery manufacturer Bohning Company is establishing a new scholarship at Lake Superior State University. Professional and personal synergies between Bohning and LSSU were the motivation for this new scholarship.
Bohning, based in Lake City, MI, recently expanded its archery and bowhunting product line to branding materials that benefit the industries of criminal justice and fire science. Both fields are signature programs at LSSU. Plus, a Bohning executive is so impressed by LSSU’s coursework for nursing, another signature program, that the administrator wanted to figure out a way to give back. As a result of such overlaps, each year, two qualified students pursuing degrees in criminal justice, fire science, or nursing at LSSU will receive a scholarship of $2,500. Recipients must also be at least sophomores and residents of Michigan.
“Earlier this year, we began producing archery products with a first responder emblem on them after making similar products with a law enforcement logo,” said Dr. Larry Griffith, president/CEO and owner of Bohning. “We have no intention of profiting from the sale of these items. Instead, we want to use the profits to help students in these academic programs at LSSU.”
Along these lines, Tom Coates, executive director of the LSSU Foundation, received an exploratory email from Karen Abrahamson, vice president of administrative services at Bohning, partly because her daughter majors in nursing at LSSU and enjoys the rigorous studies. “Karen was a real advocate for establishing this scholarship,” explained Coates.
Other common denominators link Bohning and LSSU and inspired the gift, continued Coates. Founded in in rural Northern Michigan communities, each provides invaluable training, education, and career opportunities for the region. And as Bohning also produces colorants, lubricants, adhesives, and tool-and-die components to diversify its revenue, LSSU offers outdoors and wildlife pursuits as majors and recreational outlets. Most of all, Bohning and LSSU identify potential and enable success, reflective of portions of LSSU’s vision statement.
“This generosity from Bohning is exactly what we want from our supporters,” said LSSU President Dr. Rodney S. Hanley. “It increases the number of scholarships for students. It furthers our community partnerships. It forms an alliance with an industry leader. All of that sustains our strategic plan. Bull’s-eye.”