WSC Seniors can earn $500 before they start their first job by applying for the Dr. Ron Holt Civic Engagement Award which will be presented on April 20.

The award is given to a senior of the December 2016 class or May 2017 class who has participated in at least one service-learning project and has served in other leadership roles. Those eligible must also have a good conduct record and have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

“Civic engagement is an important part of the college learning experience,” Holt said. “It is such an honor to recognize an outstanding senior who has truly demonstrated the integration of service into their college years.”

This is the fourth year the award has been given. It is one of many scholarships that Holt offers. Seven are endowed scholarships, four are annual scholarships, two are athletic scholarships and one is the Civic Engagement Award.

Holt graduated in 1989 from Wayne State College, where he was a track and field athlete. He was an Alumni Achievement winner in 2012 and is currently a psychiatrist in San Francisco. He has been awarding money to WSC seniors since he was a senior in college.

“Ron is very dedicated,” said Lisa Nelson, Director of Service Learning “As a senior he borrowed money from his credit card to set up his first scholarship.”

The $500 is a gift that can be used for anything. The winner also receives a medal and a trophy. A larger trophy is kept on campus and has the names of all the winners engraved on it. The trophy is kept in the building of the major of the latest winner.

“We highly encourage students to apply,” Nelson said. “It is a very prestigious award.”

More information can be found on ecampus. You can also contact Lisa Nelson, in Connell Hall, room 238. Her email is [email protected].

“Ron loves Wayne State,” Nelson said. “When you give back as a senior, you love that college. He’s never lost that love. He’s the most genuine person you’ll ever meet, and it’s a pleasure to work with him.”