Retired college president established Montcalm Community College Foundation scholarship

Robert C. Ferrentino, J.D. is retired from his post at Montcalm Community College, but stays involved with the college through the MCC Foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees. Ferrentino was president of the college from 2009 to 2019, having worked for community colleges for 35 years, according to MCC's announcement of his retirement. To commemorate his time in education, the MCCF Robert Ferrentino Presidential Scholarship has been established and is open to first-generation students pursuing business, education, or law.

In a news release from MCC, Ferrentino talks about his education and career, explaining that nobody in his family had attended college, which left him having to navigate the process by himself. He recalls his experience, saying, "I didn't really have any role model for college. I was the first in my family to go to college. My dad had a fourth-grade education and had to quit school to work on the farm. My mom graduated from high school. My older brothers and sisters didn't go to college." Ferrentino continues by explaining why supporting other first-generation students is important to him, "I went to college, but I figured it out – found my own way. I could have used some help. Back then, financial aid was pretty much nonexistent."

It took Ferrentino ten years into his career to decide he wanted to work in education. After making that decision, he spent 35 years working for community colleges throughout Michigan, coming to Montcalm Community College as president in 2009. He said that establishing the scholarship will "help get those students with uncertainties into the community college setting where they can explore and see what those opportunities may be like. I know the differences we can make for a kid or an adult coming to college today are real, I've never heard a student say they couldn't use a couple extra bucks – every nickel helps."

Executive Director for Institutional Advancement and the MCC Foundation, Lisa Lund, said that the establishment of the MCCF Robert Ferrentino Presidential Scholarship is a fitting way to preserve Ferrentino's legacy. "As president, Bob was a strong advocate for student success," Lund stated, adding, "He continues that same advocacy in a different role as a member of the MCC Foundation Board. Through the establishment of this scholarship, he has made a personal commitment to MCC students to help them succeed for years to come."