Honoring generosity, celebrating student success

Each spring, a portion of the Central Michigan University community gathers to celebrate the generosity that transforms lives at the annual Scholarship and Endowment Celebration — an event that honors donors who invest in student success and students whose futures are shaped by that support.

Hosted by CMU Advancement, this year's celebration brought together scholarship recipients, donors, alumni, faculty and university leaders for an opportunity to connect through shared stories of impact and gratitude.

"This is one of my favorite events here at CMU," said Jennifer Cotter, vice president of CMU Advancement. "We come together to celebrate the success of our students and recognize the incredible impact made by our donors. Without their generosity, many of our students, and many of our alumni before them, would not have had the same opportunities to learn, grow and lead."

For many students, scholarships provide more than financial assistance. They create opportunities to pursue academic goals, participate in research and leadership experiences, and focus more fully on their education. During the Scholarship and Endowment Celebration, students share personal reflections on how donor support has helped them overcome challenges, build confidence and prepare for their futures.

“Because of donors’ generosity, I did not have to say goodbye to my dreams and instead I’ve been able to say yes to the experiences that define the CMU spirit,” said Lauren Bonomo, an aspiring logistics consultant who is triple majoring in Logistics Management, Marketing and Purchasing and Supply Management. “Scholarships gave me the stability to lead as president of Pi Sigma Epsilon, mentor my peers as a resident assistant, and represent our school spirit as a member of the cheer team this year.”

The celebration also recognized the legacy created through endowed funds. These permanent investments ensure support for generations of CMU students, helping the university continue its mission of expanding access to education and empowering future leaders.

Through conversations, shared experiences and heartfelt appreciation, the Scholarship and Endowment Celebration highlights the dedicated philanthropy that continues to strengthen Central Michigan University and inspire the next generation of CMU Chippewas.

Click the video below to watch a brief recap of the 2026 Scholarship and Endowment Celebration, including clips from each student speaker.

For more information on giving to CMU, click here.