Educational Scholarships
**Funding cycle closes on October 1**
MPVA's Scholarship Program was established to support individuals furthering their education in an effort to improve the lives of veterans and community members with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). MPVA currently provides 5 opportunities named after people who positively affect our mission:
- Kenneth Huber Memorial Scholarship - $2,500
- As a supporter of the MPVA for nearly 40 years, Kenneth Huber demonstrated his outgoing nature by serving in multiple roles - ranging from MPVA Chapter President, National Director, advocate, and most importantly, friend. He encouraged the disability community to take risks and actively participated in dozens of disability rights committees. The recipient of this scholarship would be someone who reflects the advocacy, athleticism, and inclusion to which Kenneth Huber dedicated his life.
- Michael Hogue Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
- Michael Hogue fought in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper and was wounded in action. Although he lost the use of his legs, he never complained about the struggles that come with paraplegia. He moved to Ann Arbor after returning from Vietnam to work for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) as a veteran benefits counselor. While in Ann Arbor, he loved wheelchair racing, competing in marathons and in the PVA Wheelchair Games. The recipient of the scholarship would reflect Michael Hogue’s commitment to National service, volunteerism in veterans affairs, and an interest in improving healthcare for disabled veterans.
- Stephan Florescu Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
- After being injured in a freak driving accident, Stephan became well known for his outstanding abilities in a variety of sports. Stef did not just use his talents for his own merits. He began to inspire others by organizing various sports teams. For MPVA he coached a civilian men's team called the "Rolling Romanians", as well as a women's team called the "National Association of the Physically Handicapped". Stefan was also a pioneer in MPVA's print publications, often writing for the MPVA's Rollin' Times Newsletter. The recipient of this scholarship would be someone who promotes inclusion in sports, as well as taking initiative in creating opportunities for others with disabilities in recreation.
- Roger McCarville Memorial Scholarship - $500
- Roger McCarville touched thousands of lives. Politicians, civic leaders, and community members considered him a friend. His life's work was to give a voice to those who had none. As an associate member of the MPVA, Roger used his talents to advocate on behalf of Michigan's disability community. Among his work, he was best known for his 12 years hosting and producing the popular PBS show "Disabilities Today" (now known as "A Wider World"). The recipient of this scholarship would be someone interested in veteran's advocacy, disability rights, and disability awareness.
- Tony Filippis Memorial Scholarship - $500
- Anthony (Tony) Filippis Sr., a nationally-known and beloved man was the founder of Wright & Filippis, Inc., Michigan’s largest provider assistive mobility devices and healthcare products. Tony is a supporter and associate member of the MPVA who experienced first-hand the struggle confronted by persons with disabilities. He lost both of his legs below the knee in a train accident at the age of 13. The disappointments and discrimination he faced fueled Tony's passion for making a difference in the lives of others, including founding of the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame in 1999. The recipient of this scholarship would be an individual who wishes to further their education as part of a goal of celebrating the accomplishments of people with disabilities.
To find out more, please download the application form.
If you have questions regarding this program, or are from a higher educational establishment and would like to further promote this program, please contact MPVA staff at (248) 476-9000 or email us here.