Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Scholarship Fund

For Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta education was of the highest importance. Louise was not only a kind, even-tempered, and generous person; she was a determined student that worked hard to accomplish her dreams.  She received her BA from the University of Detroit and later received her Master’s degree in English from Central Michigan University. Leonard received both his BA and MBA from the University of Detroit and later received a doctorate from Michigan State University. In 1992, when Leonard became interim president of CMU, he asked Louise to guide non-traditional students. As a once non-traditional student herself, Louise helped direct incoming non-traditional students to on-campus resources such as the Financial Aid office, academic advisors, and other resources that non-traditional students often benefit from utilizing. Together, they believed all students deserved access to schooling and worked to provide a well-rounded experience for CMU students.

Although they both retired from their positions in 2000, the Plachta’s involvement on CMU’s campus did not end.  Louise continued to work as a liaison for non-traditional students and raised funds for campus projects. Along with that, the Plachtas were awarded with one of the highest nonacademic honors offered by CMU, the Distinguished Leader and Service Award. Their love for Isabella County helped make it a better place and the lasting effects can be seen to this day.

In May 2014, Mrs. Plachta created a scholarship fund with the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation to support students from Isabella County who demonstrate financial need with plans to enroll at an accredited college, university or trade school.

Criteria:

• must be graduating seniors from Mt. Pleasant High School or Sacred Heart Academy,

• must show financial need, and

•must be planning to enroll at an accredited college, university or trade school.