A daughter's courage and ability to persevere through adversity has inspired her parents to establish a scholarship in her name at Lake Superior State University.
Leah Bollin, a former LSSU student and member of Alpha Kappa Chi sorority, was killed in an automobile accident in August 2001. Her parents, William and Sharon Bollin of Farmington Hills, have chosen to memorialize their daughter by starting the Leah Marie Bollin Memorial Award, an endowment to benefit an LSSU student who has epilepsy or a similar disorder.
Leah had epilepsy, a neurological condition resulting in seizures, yet she never let it hold her back. Through the award, the Bollins hope to enable students to continue their education and move on with their lives in spite of their physical condition.
"Leah was afflicted with epilepsy her entire life, yet she never let it stop her," said Bill Bollin. "She stepped up and let people know – and didn't let any negative attitudes bother her."
Established by the family and friends of Leah, this endowment began with an initial gift of $15,000. It is the family's intention to hold annual fundraisers to allow the endowment to sustain a minimum of four awards each year. The Bollins said they believe strongly in the importance of providing opportunities for youths like Leah, to assist them in achieving their higher education goals.
"My wife, Sharon, came up with the idea of starting a scholarship, as there isn't a lot of financial assistance available for students like Leah, who have a hard time focusing and studying. We want them to feel that there is something available to them, so that they can get a college education, and not let their epilepsy stand in the way of achieving that goal."
For more information on the Leah Marie Bollin Memorial Award, or any one of the almost 100 scholarships and awards available at Lake Superior State University, call the LSSU Financial Aid office at 906-635-2678 or 635-2814.
The Lake Superior State University Foundation was founded in 1983 and makes its home at the Lukenda Alumni House, one of the original Fort Brady Row Houses at the eastern end of campus. The Foundation oversees a vast amount of scholarship activities, events and other philanthropic activities to help educate the public on various ways to give to Lake Superior State University.
Lake Superior State University Foundation
650 W. Easterday Ave
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
