Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship

The Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship is awarded in memory and recognition of two Ford Motor Company executives who worked together and, as friends, died together in a small airplane crash in June, 1990. The two men were committed to increasing the productivity of the workforce while enriching the quality of the workplace environment. This scholarship was created through an endowment offered by the wives of Robert and Benjamin to facilitate the continuance for the zest for life, concern for others, and ideals and goals held by the two. It provides graduate study opportunities and recognizes potential contributions of graduate students with disabilities.

The Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship is awarded in the spring to a qualified student with a disability enrolled in a graduate degree program at Michigan State University for the following summer, fall or spring semester. Based on endowment performance, the scholarship generally produces two or more scholarships of up to $5,000. Winners are selected by review of applicant achievement in a variety of areas including: academics, quality of references, clear definition of goals, pre-professional achievements including demonstrated leadership ability, demonstrated financial need, and quality and coherence of written essays. Recipients are encouraged to recognize this program as an investment in ability and are in turn challenged to invest in others by contributing as a donor to this program as they achieve success in a professional career.

Make a gift to the Friendship Memorial Scholarship

This donor-supported program provides awareness and expanded opportunity for persons with disabilities. You can help support this initiative or find out more about other RCPD programs and giving opportunities by visiting the Financial Contributions page.

• Friendship Memorial Scholarship application (PDF)

The Robert L. Decker and Benjamin Muns Friendship Memorial Scholarship in Action

• In the spring of 2008, two graduate students were awarded the Friendship Memorial Scholarship at the annual Awards and Appreciation Reception.
• The award has also presented to many other deserving students at previous award receptions, occurring in 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, and 1997. 

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