Starr News - Summer 2014

NEWS Vol. 71 • No. 3

Inside:

The Art of Resilience Finding Inner Harmony Leaving a Legacy

Summer 2014

Starr News

starr commonwealth leadership Officers Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. President Chief Executive Officer Christopher L. Smith, BBA., CPA Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA Executive Vice President Chief Clinical Officer Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW Executive Vice President Chief Strategy Officer Gary Q. Tester, MRC Executive Vice President Chief Development Officer

Board of Trustees Honorable John Hallacy, Chair District Court Judge 10th District Court Battle Creek, MI Craig Carrel, Vice Chair President and Partner Team 1 Plastics Albion, MI Lawrence Givens, Secretary Blackmond and Givens, Inc. Southfield, MI Kyle Caldwell, Immediate Past Chair Program Director Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Flint, MI Wally Bakare Vice President, Operations Time Warner Cable Mid Ohio Division Columbus, OH Scott Bennett Vice President UBS Financial Services Birmingham, MI Doug Clark Senior Vice President Masterworks Poulsbo, WA George A. Goodman Ypsilanti, MI Tom Kolassa Senior Vice President Hub International Battle Creek, MI Laura Koziarski Child Advocate Battle Creek, MI

Jack Kresnak Journalist / Child Advocate Livonia, MI Dr. Pamela Lemerand Professor Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI Kenneth Miller Chief Executive Officer Principal Partner Millennium Restaurant Group Kalamazoo, MI Randy Neumann Vice President J.F. Daley, Inc. San Antonio, TX William C. Rands Managing Partner Sagres Partners, L.P. Grosse Pointe, MI Cornelia Romanowski Educator Shavertown, PA Mary E. Rutan Human Resources Director (Retired) Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Erick Stewart President Stewart Industries LLC Battle Creek, MI Bruce Vande Vusse Attorney Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. Farmington Hills, MI George Wilson General Agent Wilson Insurance Services Gilbert Wiseman Agency Flint, MI

Trustees Emeritus

President Emeritus

Margaret Starr Leutheuser Daughter of Floyd Starr Haverford, PA

Arlin E. Ness President Emeritus Anthem, AZ

Michael J. Gable Human Resources Executive Orlans Associates, PC Troy, MI George D. Goodman Executive Director (Retired) Michigan Municipal League Ann Arbor, MI Dr. Russell G. Mawby Chairman Emeritus W.K. Kellogg Foundation Battle Creek, MI Honorable Eugene A. Moore Chief Probate Judge (Retired) Oakland County Pontiac, MI William K. Stoffer Chairman and CEO Albion Machine & Tool Co. Albion, MI

Honorary Trustees Anne Willson Dupré Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Toronto, Canada Diana Starr Langley Montecito, CA Sylvia Starr Richey Granddaughter of Floyd Starr Seal Beach, CA

Starr is dedicated to the mission of creating positive environments where children and families flourish.

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Starr News Summer 2014 Volume 71 • No. 3

Table of Contents

Starr Commonwealth is a nonprofit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion, color or national origin.

Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation.

Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the states of Michigan and Ohio.

The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site.

Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals.

President’s Letter

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Finding Inner Harmony

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Leaving a Legacy

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The Art of Resilience

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13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 info@starr.org

A Higher Degree of Success

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Chaplain’s Message

14

Honor & Memorial Gifts

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Summer 2014

president’s letter Starr is aiming to provide the therapeutic value of the arts to more children, families and communities than ever before hen young people participate in the arts, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.

But it’s about much more than memorable singing performances or beautiful drawings.

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opportunity to flourish through the arts. That’s why Starr developed the first annual Starr Summer Youth Festival, which was held Sunday, Aug. 10 at the Carr Center and Paradise Valley Park in Detroit.

At Starr we believe there is an incredible therapeutic value to the arts. This is demonstrated every day across the country and around the world, as music, poetry, film and other art forms unite people under even the most difficult circumstances.

Youth arts groups from around the city came to share their talent with the community under the theme, “The Art of Resilience.” All of Starr’s work focuses on this idea of resilience, in that everyone has the ability to thrive regardless of their situation.

Helping our students develop relationships and build confidence are things we strive for through our programs, and there isn’t a better example of the impact the arts can have than the fine arts program on our Albion campus.

Led by our licensed music therapist and director of fine arts, Jeff Cornhill, students in Starr’s public residential program and Montcalm School have access to the All Starr Choir, music lessons, dance, pottery and more.

The event was a testament to the passion the community has for young people, understanding that successful children today will lead to a better Detroit tomorrow.

Starr wouldn’t be able to provide these opportunities if not for a group of generous supporters, like Beverly Milner. Her story is detailed on p. 8. Beverly has supported Starr for several decades after reading about our Founder Floyd Starr’s initial work with troubled boys.

Not only do young people have fun discovering new talents or building on existing ones, they relate to each other, develop trust and form lasting friendships.

Beginning on p. 4 of this issue of Starr News, you’ll read about three students — Melissa, Vanessa and Josh — who have each seen significant changes in themselves, due in large part to the fine arts program.

Through this support, Starr is able to offer fine arts and other therapeutic programming, with the ultimate goal of helping each and every one of our students reach their potential.

As staff members, we’re inspired each day by our students and hope to see more children have the

Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D. President & CEO

As always, thank you for your support.

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Finding

4

Inner

Harmony Fine arts are about more than performances for Starr students.

These activities build confidence and relationships that last a lifetime

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t the beginning of each fine arts session on Starr’s Albion campus, director Jeff Cornhill asks a simple question: “Who is having a rotten day today?”

A few students may raise their hands, followed by a brief description of the challenges they are currently facing. Here students open up to their peers in what they call a “judgment-free zone.” Students are afforded the opportunity to vent and show support for each other before starting activities.

This type of candor is critical to the success of the fine arts program; it’s what makes the final product so inspiring.

No, the goal isn’t a flawless performance at Founder’s Day or another community event. It’s something much more important. It’s young people learning to interact with others in positive ways, building confidence and preparing them for the rest of their lives.

Melissa, a student who spent more than a year at Montcalm School and graduated in June, looked forward to each Thursday.

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Starr News “I came to Montcalm and didn’t have a great self-image,” she said. “I wasn’t very confident at all. But the fine arts program got me to open up. I could come and be myself, just acting weird.

It’s almost like there’s a force field on the door to the building. As soon as you walk through that door, whatever is bothering you stays outside and your mood instantly changes.”

A talented actress who displayed her skills in Starr’s February production of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Melissa has also become interested in playing the guitar, and some of her peers have joined her in learning to play the instrument.

She said it provides another way to interact with others. Melissa feels the students in the fine arts program are a family.

“It’s a huge support system,” Melissa said. “Whenever you’re having a rough day or need a boost, one of your peers is there to lift you up. It’s nice to be able to do the same for them when they are struggling. You’re just relating to people and breaking down barriers.”

Another Montcalm student, Vanessa, knows all too well the challenges of not connecting with peers in a positive fashion.

She is quiet by nature and according to Cornhill, Vanessa had no interest

Director Jeff Cornhill works with students on several instruments, including the drums.

in joining the choir when she first arrived at the school. Heeding the advice of a fellow student, Vanessa gave the choir a chance and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s definitely helped me,” Vanessa said. “I’m a quiet person, but the fine arts program has changed me. It has given me confidence to express myself, to sing in front of people. Music is a strong message to others and to yourself that you can accomplish whatever you want.”

Vanessa said participating in fine arts has pulled her out of her comfort zone, forcing her to interact with her peers and helping her make several new friends. She has performed

“Whenever you’re having a rough day or need a boost, one of your peers is there to lift you up. It’s nice to be able to do the same for them when they are struggling. You’re just relating to people and breaking down barriers.”

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- Melissa, a Montcalm alumna

numerous times with the All Starr Choir and the smaller studio choir, but now Vanessa is chasing a new dream.

“With the help of Mr. Jeff (Cornhill), I am registering for ‘The Voice’ (television singing competition),” Vanessa said. “We are filming videos and recording me singing, and hopefully I’ll get the chance to audition.”

From struggling to interact with peers to potentially singing in front of millions may seem like a daunting task. But Cornhill believes Vanessa has exactly what it takes to succeed.

“She’s so talented, and I truly believe she has a chance to make music a career,” Cornhill said. “We are realistic about the level of competition and how hard you need to work, but she is working hard to hone her skills and singing in front of large crowds is becoming easier. I always tell the kids it’s OK to be nervous. When you have a little anxiety, that’s what helps create fantastic performances.”

The purpose of the fine arts program

Summer 2014 may not be better exemplified than it is with Josh, a student in Starr’s public residential program.

Josh wasn’t aware he had any musical talent until recently when he was motivated to sing prior to coming to Starr. Once he arrived on campus, the fine arts program was a perfect fit for his burgeoning interest.

Since joining the choir, Josh has been encouraged, learning that he has an abundance of talent.

“I’ve written songs, and that gives me an outlet to show my emotions,” Josh said. “I don’t believe you’re more of a man if you don’t show emotion.

I think it’s just the opposite. Music has become my life, my sanity. It’s a coping skill that helps me overcome adversity. It helps me concentrate. It has done a lot of things for me and helped me show my true self to the world. Starr proves you’re not alone, and I’ve learned a lot of people have gone through the same things I have.”

The program is about far more than music, however, as students have

Students at Starr and Montcalm School performed “Willy Wonka” in February 2014.

access to many art activities. From choir and recording music to pottery and dance, students are encouraged to find any type of art they could turn into a passion.

“Mr. Jeff and Ms. Powe are always helping us find something we like to do,” Melissa said. “I never knew I liked pottery, but I do. It was so much fun to do that for the first time.”

Angela Powe, Starr’s fine arts assistant, has gotten a pottery course up and running, something Melissa said provides students with another option to pursue.

Cornhill said he got into music therapy because he knows the power of music and the arts. And, even after 30 years at Starr, he’s still inspired by the students every day.

“The music takes on a life of its own with these kids,” Cornhill said. “Music expresses all emotions, whether you’re happy, sad, mad, whatever. A song is just a song until you put some heart into it, and our kids have so much passion for the music and art.

Through generous grants, Starr has been able to purchase equipment and software for students to work with recording singers and generating electronic music.

“It’s great when people see a performance by the choir or see a picture drawn by a student, but they don’t see the real work being done behind the scenes. This program helps bring kids together, and it does just as much for me as it does for them.”

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Starr News

Leaving a Legacy

Beverly Milner, 102, has supported Starr Commonwealth for decades after reading about Floyd Starr’s work with troubled boys.

Beverly Milner paved her own way through life. She hopes to give others the same chance to succeed

T

he U.S. in the early 1940s was a tumultuous place.

Firmly entrenched in World War II, with many men headed overseas, the country saw women

thrust into unfamiliar roles on the home front.

While many women took temporary positions during the war, Beverly Milner began blazing her own trail.

Milner is a pioneer, a role model for a generation of women and those who follow. The 102-year-old Freeland, Michigan, native pursued a career in mathematics and science at a time when women were entering the workplace but few in

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professions requiring an advanced education.

Much like Starr Founder Floyd Starr, Milner followed her passion and was able to carve out a remarkable career.

She attended nearby Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, where she received a bachelor’s degree in 1935.

“There weren’t many women at Central during those years, especially studying what I was,” Milner recalled.

“Maybe two out of 50 students were women. My pursuit of math was discouraged, but I guess I’m stubborn so I did it anyway.”

Summer 2014 After graduation Milner entered the education arena as a teacher. She spent a handful of years at a few different schools and while she enjoyed the academic environment, she was looking for a change of scenery.

Milner decided to pursue graduate school and earned her master’s degree in mathematics in 1943 from the University of Michigan.

Working as a teacher continued — this time in St. Johns, Michigan — until her mother noticed an intriguing opportunity.

“My mother saw that Dow (Chemical Co.) was hiring in the labs,” Milner said. “She asked me if I’d like her to call about the jobs, and I said I’d like her to do that. I was lucky enough to get an interview scheduled during Christmas break.”

She impressed enough during her interview that Milner had her choice of two jobs, taking one where she had the opportunity to work in the spectroscopy lab, becoming one of the first women to work in the labs at Dow.

A marker in front of Beverly Milner’s home signifies her family’s long ties with Freeland.

had children, was a single woman working in what was traditionally a male environment. Even when men returned from the war, as many women were ushered out of more prominent positions, Milner stayed.

She retired from Dow in 1970. While she may be small in stature, Milner’s professional accomplishments are nothing less than gigantic.

Attaining career success was fulfilling to her, but she also wanted to be active

everything grew from there.”

She was so compelled with Starr’s mission that she decided to make the more than two-hour drive to Albion with her mother to visit the campus.

After supporting Starr for many years, Milner has generously included the organization in her estate plans, in addition to her other interests. She continues to support both of her alma maters, as well as groups that assist animals like the Humane Society of the

Her focus was working to replicate

in philanthropy. There are several

United States.

colors of household appliances and

causes near to Milner’s heart. Upon

Although the Starr Milner first learned

other equipment to make plastics.

“A company would send in a piece of a refrigerator, for example, and I would match the color so we could sell the company our plastics,” Milner said. “It was fun, and I loved my job.

My supervisor was wonderful. I owe the opportunity I had there to him.”

Milner, who has never married nor

learning about Starr’s work, her desire to donate married nicely with her love of helping children.

“I read about Starr’s work, and I just thought Floyd Starr was a great man,” Milner said. “I thought that was a place I’d like to help. It’s great that he took in

about has changed significantly over the years, the mission remains the same.

“The campus at Starr was so nice,” Milner said. “All of the people with Starr I’ve met are nice people. I never got the opportunity to meet Floyd

those first two boys and boys like that

Starr, but I’m happy to know that Starr

who were troubled and unhappy, and

continues to do good work.”

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Starr News

Hundreds of Detroit community members came out to support local arts groups at the Starr Summer Youth Festival held Aug. 10.

Starr’s new Art of Resilience project aims to tackle the stigma of youth and embrace positive youth development work in communities across Detroit 10

Summer 2014

S

tarr’s founder once said, “Beauty is a silent teacher.”

Dr. Martin Mitchell, president and CEO of Starr

Floyd Starr also maintained a strong interest in the

Commonwealth, said: “We have long seen the impact of

arts, collecting a significant number of fine works,

the arts in the development of our students, and we believe

including paintings, sculptures and furniture, encouraging

strongly in building on the resilience of each individual,

Starr’s students to explore their creative side.

as well as families and communities. The Art of Resilience

He knew how powerful creative expression and an appreciation of the arts could be in the development of a young person, and for decades this philosophy has played a significant role in the youth development models of Starr Commonwealth.

from young people and communities across metro Detroit, recognizing the importance of positive youth development and the role the arts can play in that.

The Starr Summer Youth was a fantastic launch for the

Overcoming challenges, building on your strengths, bouncing back from adversity, giving back to the community — this is resilience, another fundamental part of Starr’s positive youth development. So, what happens when you combine art and resilience?

On Sunday, Aug. 10, Starr Commonwealth launched the Art of Resilience campaign with a major new event in Detroit called the Starr Summer Youth Festival, designed to celebrate the strengths and resilience of young people across the Detroit region.

Art of Resilience and has generated not only incredible experiences for hundreds of young people, but also a wide range of community partnerships, which we aim to develop further in the coming year. We want to celebrate the inspiring work being done by youth and arts organizations throughout the community. By showcasing the many great stories of resilience from our youth, we can help tackle the negative stigma that so many young people face.”

The festival attracted an audience of around 2,000 members of the Detroit community, with children and families enjoying performances on three stages over a

Approximately 300 young people from more than 40 different youth organizations sang, danced, acted, read their original writing or displayed visual art. Another 17 youth and cultural organizations provided information to help young people find new artistic and educational opportunities.

project aims to celebrate examples and stories of resilience

period of six hours.

Five hundred young people were provided with free, healthy meals as part of a program sponsored by Samaritan Homes.

The event also honored jazz legend Marcus Belgrave with

Starr Summer Youth Festival Participants MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE URBAN STRINGZ CARR CTR DANCE & JAZZ ACADEMIES NANDI JACK & XAVIER JACK DETROIT YOUTH CONCERT CHOIR KDJ TRIO NIGEL SANDERS DBCFSN FOOD WARRIORS METRO DETROIT UNDERGROUND HOUSE OF BASTET IAN FINKELSTEIN & MARCUS ELLIOT S.T.I.C.K. AL NUR MATRIX THEATRE ALKEBULAN VILLAGE DETROIT WINDSOR DANCE CRESCENDO DETROIT

CULTURAL ROOTS ARTS CAMP MOTOR CITY DANCE FACTORY STACCATO HERITAGE WORKS MOSAIC POETS & MOSAIC SINGERS STARR SINGERS DUO INSIDEOUT POETS DEVELOPMENT CENTER KEAHEY BROTHERS ARAB AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM DEMETRIUS HARRIS DEVELOPMENT CENTER EBONY HOGAN KEY WAY TO KIDS ALYSSA PEEK ARTS & SCRAPS DONALD CALLOWAY

EVELYN PINKARD JENNIFER TEED D.A.N.C.E. ABRAKADOODLE DETROIT BLACK COMMUNITY FSN KENDALL OWENS COMMUNITY ARTS PARTNERSHIPS COMMUNITY STAR DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA YOUTH ENSEMBLES MSU COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC THE YOUTH CONNECTION BEEZ ALL STARR DANCE COMPANY FIRE ENTERTAINMENT GIRL POWER SYSTEM SUMMER IN THE CITY

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Starr News Starr Summer Youth Festival, said: “We are delighted with the Detroit community’s response to our Art of Resilience project. Not only did we see dozens of youth groups come forward to be in the festival but thousands of people came out to support the talented young artists.

We are also thankful to have been supported in this project by foundations and other community leading organizations in the Detroit area.”

The Art of Resilience project has received support from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, the Knight Foundation and StarrVista.

It is being driven by an advisory group comprised of the Carr Center, ARISE Detroit, City Connect Detroit, the City of Detroit, New Detroit, Marcus Belgrave was honored with the “Starr Commonwealth Art of Resilience Award.”

the new “Starr Commonwealth Art of

including highly acclaimed musicians

Resilience Award” for his extraordinary

such as Rodney Whitaker, Kenny

contribution to not only the arts but

Garrett, Robert Hurst, Regina Carter,

positive youth development.

James Carter, Geri Allen, Karriem

Belgrave has mentored dozens of young people in Detroit and beyond,

Riggins and Carlos McKinney.

John Hollingsworth, director of the

Starr Educational Services, and the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO).

For more information on the project and how you can get involved, visit www.artofresilience.org. To view a photo gallery of this year’s festival, go to www.artofresilience.org/photo-gallery.

thank you to our festival sponsors:

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Summer 2014

A higher degree of success

Patti Hiatt, the dean of students at Montcalm School, spoke to graduates and their families at Montcalm’s June graduation.

This year Montcalm graduated the largest class in school history, and many students have plans for further education

G

raduating from high school is the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication, both academically and emotionally.

For many students at Montcalm School, the journey to earning their diploma is laden with challenges. But this year’s Montcalm graduates overcame all obstacles.

On June 14, 16 students graduated from Montcalm, the largest class since the school opened in 2000.

“We are so proud of our students,” said Kelley Jones, the director of Montcalm School. “They’ve worked hard and deserve recognition for this accomplishment.”

Several graduates are moving on to post-secondary education and have been accepted to a variety of institutions, including Arizona State University, Towson

University, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Trinity International University, the University of CincinnatiBlue Ash, San Diego Community College, Cuyahoga Community College and the College for Creative Arts in Detroit.

A significant aspect of the Montcalm program is helping students build on existing strengths and learn new skills.

Some of the areas of study that interest Montcalm graduates include art and design, liberal arts, computer science and early childhood development.

“As a result of a caring and nurturing environment, these students have forged ahead to become successful,” said Patti Hiatt, the dean of students at Montcalm School.

“They now have goals and dreams of a future filled with promise as they begin their adult lives within their communities.”

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Starr News

chaplain’s message

Chaplain Ken Ponds

Starr continues, as our Founder Floyd Starr did, to give students the chance to express themselves through art

I

n the beginning the Scriptures state that we, humans — male and female — are created in the image of God, Imago Dei (Genesis 1:26-27). Volumes and volumes have been written on what it means to be created in God’s image.

is beautiful or expresses ideas or feelings.

General consensus is that as beings, created a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:3-6), we have “free will” with the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.

The word that caught my attention in the definition is “beautiful.” I believe that Floyd Starr realized the power of art as expressed in one of his favorite sayings, “Beauty is a silent teacher.”

We can make choices as living beings, something which appears difficult, or limited, for all those living beings not created in God’s image.

These ideas and feelings can be expressed in a variety of ways — poetry, sculpture, music, storytelling, paintings, architecture, dance, acting, writing, etc.

As a result he strove to create a setting of beauty for the students, as well as collecting many works of art that were exhibited over the years in Brueckner Museum on Starr’s Albion campus, thus creating a legacy of art.

However, I believe that the image of God extends beyond the idea of free will. It is also imagination!

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Many influential individuals and their work are featured in Brueckner, including a pastel of Montcalm Lake painted by Dr. George

According to Luther E. Smith, Jr. (Weavings, No. XXVII, Vol. 2), one interpretation of humans created in God’s image is that “imagination is the image of God.”

Washington Carver.

We humans are wonderful not only because of our complexity but because of our capacity and ability to contribute to the creative process through our imagination.

This legacy continues to be maintained through an excellent fine arts program under the direction of Jeff Cornhill and Angela Powe.

Throughout history humans have contributed to the creative process through art. A common definition of art is something that is created with imagination and skill that

Both use their considerable gifts, talents and skills to help Starr’s young people exhibit their imagination — the image of God within them.

Summer 2014

Honor & Memorial gifts In Honor of:

MATTIE MAE BROWN Ms. Juanita C. Brown BOB AND KATHY GEORGE Dr. Caelan K. Kuban JAMES GEORGE Dr. Caelan K. Kuban ROBERT JOHNSON Ms. Carrie Ann Good MARGARET S. LEUTHEUSER Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness RICHARD AND JANET MAGSIG Mr. and Mrs. Richard Magsig CHARLES NIELSEN Ms. Diane Nielsen JOAN STAUDT PRACY Dr. and Mrs. Robert Failing CLARA RICHMOND Mr. Michael I. Richmond CANDACE SOMERALL SHERBER Ms. Anne H. LaRoche FINE ARTS PROGRAM Mr. John Danowski

In Memory of:

HELEN BERRY Mrs. Walter Fisher IRMA BRADLEY Mrs. Doris M. Bradley SHIRLEY A. RUDD BROWN Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson LAWRENCE D. BUHL Mr. and Mrs. Richard V. Hendrian HELEN Z. BUNKER Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness

ROGER BURLINGAM Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Champion Ms. Kathy Lantz Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell GEORGE CHAMBER Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell MARVIN L. COLNESS Mrs. LaVerne I. Colness KENNETH CRANDALL Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Champion Ms. Kathy Lantz Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell JANE K. GAMBS Mr. and Mrs. Craig Newman DR. WILLIAM B. GEORGE Dr. Richard L. Pinkerton, Ph.D EDWARD G. Howe Mr. and Mrs. Brian V. Howe A. LOUISE OUTLAW JACKSON Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson WILLIE JAMES JACKSON Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann RAYMOND F. LAUFF Dr. George H. Lauff DONNA L. LEHMAN Mr. Calvin A. Lehman CLYDE LETARTE Mr. and Mrs. John R. Calvert Ms. Roberta Potter CORA STARR LITTLE Tyler-Little Family Foundation JESSIE LONGHURST Mrs. Evelyn Gay Dr. and Mrs. James E. Longhurst

ROBIN R. (THATCHER) MCKEE Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell GLADYS AND GEORGE MESLER Dr. Linda M. Muul NORMA LINDSAY MORELAND Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann FREDERICK ALBERT NEUMANN, JR. Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann IRENE PAYNE Mrs. Bobbie Giles CHARLES DELAINE RAY Mr. and Mrs. Randy R. Neumann GERALD D. ROBINSON Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass MARION ROBINSON Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass “UNCLE” FLOYD STARR Mr. John Danowski Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness TIMOTHY SYKORA Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell CHARLES W. TAGTMEYER Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell DOMENICO P. VETTRAINO Mr. and Mrs. James D. Misaros HARRIETT J. WAK Mr. Joseph Wak OLIVE B. WHITE Mr. Robert G. White BYRON J. WIGMAN Mr. and Mrs. Brian V. Howe ERVIN J. AND HELEN A. WILEE Ms. Marilyn J. Heiling MY PARENTS Mr. Gordon P. Grant

HONOR GIFTS are thoughtful ways to remember a special person and/or a special occasion, such as a birth, birthday, anniversary, graduation, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, while also helping Starr children. Honor gifts also may be made online at www.starr.org.

MEMORIAL GIFTS offer an enduring tribute to the memory of a friend or loved one, while extending a helping hand to the children of Starr. Memorial donations also may be made online at www.starr.org.

The current gifts reflect the period from 4-26-2014 to 8-15-2014. Donors are listed below the name of the person in whose memory or honor they contributed.

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Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit #975 Lansing, MI 13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, Michigan 49224 www.starr.org

Duplicate mailing? Call (800) 837-5591 Address service requested

Help them take their learning to a higher level.

Since 1978, we’ve provided Starr graduates the opportunity to pursue higher education through the Starr Commonwealth Scholarship Program. Last year, 49 students were awarded more than $150,000 in fund assistance, however, total requests exceeded $300,000. Your generous donation will help us continue to provide scholarships to students who want to reach even higher.

Please donate today.

To give online, visit www.starr.org/donate. For more information, please contact Sherie Veramay, senior major gift officer, at 800.837.5591 or veramays@starr.org.