Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

For good. For ever.

306 South University Avenue Mount Pleasant, MI, 48858 United States

(989) 773-7322

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Isabella County, now and for generations to come, by attracting and holding permanent endowed funds from a wide range of donors, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Gene A. Kunst Gold Star Family Scholarship Fund

Gene A. Kunst

Terry and Diane Kunst are longtime supporters of many charitable organizations in our local community, particularly those associated with veterans. In December 2021, they established an endowment fund in memory of Terry’s brother Gene, who served his country valiantly in the Vietnam War.

Gene is memorialized on both the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC and Island Park Vietnam Memorial in Mt. Pleasant. “The grief and sadness felt by so many loved ones are overwhelming, each one matters. We were honored to meet a Vietnam Veteran one day at the wall who was there the day the attack happened and narrowly escaped with his life,” said Terry and Diane Kunst.

Gene was the eldest son in a family of five children and grew up in Blanchard, attending Montabella Schools during his high school years. The Gene A. Kunst Gold Star Family Scholarship Fund will support graduates of Montabella High School with financial need who intend to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

Gene A. Kunst Gold Star Family Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Student shall be a graduating senior, or shall have previously graduated from Montabella High School';

  • Student shall intend to pursue a career in a skilled trade;

  • Student shall demonstrate financial need; and

  • Student shall be enrolled at an accredited college, university or trade school.

Preferences:

In selecting the most qualified applicant to receive the scholarship, reviewers should give preference to the following, listed in priority order:

  • Student has meaningful connection to military service, as described in a written essay.