Scholarships
Scholarship support significantly alleviates the financial stress faced by our students, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in their art and design education at CCS. For questions regarding how to establish an annual or endowed scholarship at CCS, please contact us at [email protected]. Donate to support one of our named scholarships.
Established in 1983 by married alumni who met when they attended the same course at CCS. As more alumni contribute to the fund each year, it continues to grow, allowing CCS to continue to maintain Alumni Scholarships to top students.
Established in 1991 in memory of Peggy and Albert deSalle who were patrons of the arts. Students in Fine Arts, Crafts or Photography are eligible to receive the scholarship each year.
Established in 2022 by Anna Sui to assist in making a design education and career possible for talented students whose financial resources might limit their opportunities in Fashion Design. Anna, a Detroit native, passionately pursued her childhood dreams and has become one of New York City’s most beloved and accomplished fashion designers.
Endowed in 2009 by the Frey Entertainment Foundation in Arts, in memory of Barbara C. Frey, to provide funding for students studying Entertainment Arts.
Established in 2015 to honor Benno Steinborn, a noted Detroit area restaurateur who loved painting and the fine arts. This scholarship provides funding to Detroit-based students to support their education of Fine Arts.
Established in 1988, Booth Crafts Scholarships are awarded to degree-seeking students majoring in Crafts; award recipients are selected based upon talent and financial need.
Established in 1987 in memory of Eugene Bordinat, former VP of Design at Ford Motor Company. This scholarship provides support for students majoring in transportation design.
Established in 2016, in memory of Bryan Gamble, this scholarship provides support for students studying Fine Arts.
Established by Transportation Design alumnus Bryan Thompson ’00 who won first runner-up in the 2014 “Motor City Masters” competition. After his win, he pledged to create a scholarship which would reward talented students who are members of, or have demonstrated support for, LGBTQ communities and want to pursue Transportation Design at the College for Creative Studies. Learn more about the Bryan Thompson Transportation Design Endowed Scholarship.
The Carl Olsen Endowed Scholarship was established to support transportation design students demonstrating financial need and strong academic achievement. This award honors Carl Olsen’s 14 years of distinguished service as a professor and Chair of Transportation Design at CCS from 1987 to 2000.
Bob “Ozzie” Osborne attended the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan in the 1950’s. This scholarship fund is established to recognize scholastic and artistic achievement, to encourage continued progress, and to provide students assistance in financing their education at the College for Creative Studies.
Established in memory of Charl E. Greene, former clay modeler for General Motors.
Established in Chuck’s memory in 2015 to provide scholarships for students studying Transportation Design. Chuck retired as GM vice president of design in 1992. Learn more about the Charles “Chuck” M. Jordan Endowed Scholarship.
This fund was established in 2021 to provide financial assistance for middle and high school students from Detroit with their transition into college, and careers in the design field, who enroll in programs offered through the Precollege and Continuing Studies Department at the College for Creative Studies.
Dick Ruzzin, retired Director of Design for Chevrolet and GM of Europe, will forever be a designer and car enthusiast. During his career, Mr. Ruzzin worked on over 140 cars including the Opel Maxx, which inspired the Swatch Car. His illustrious career included work for GM on several ‘cars of the future’ and concept cars. Mr. Ruzzin has a passion for sharing his knowledge and experience with others, especially young designers. This scholarship, made possible through the generosity of Mr. Ruzzin, was created in 2021 to provide students assistance who might otherwise struggle to obtain a degree.
Established in 1987 to provide support for senior students studying Fine Arts or Industrial Design, as well as Graphic Communications.
Established in 2016 to support a new graduate scholarship program to provide support in recruiting the most talented students from around the world to CCS’s graduate programs, where they study in the General Motors Foundation Studios.
Established in 2004 to assist transportation design students who have unmet financial need and a high level of academic achievement, as reflected by GPA. Family members decided to establish a scholarship at CCS in memory of their father because “he cared passionately about the development of new design talent at CCS, especially in the areas of automotive and automotive textile design.” Moon taught at CCS, Art Center and University of North Carolina.
Established in 1986 in memory of Gertrude D. Crain, students who attend CCS at least half-time are eligible to receive the award.
The scholarship was created in 2023 to attract and support Detroit residents from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those within historically marginalized communities. Eligible candidates must meet CCS-defined criteria for support either due to economic, educational or environmental factors.
“The Gilbert Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund breaks down barriers for Detroit students to access a world-class education in their hometown and achieve their creative career goals,” said Jasmin DeForrest, Director of Arts and Culture for the Gilbert Family Foundation. “This collaboration with CCS embodies our dedication to promoting diversity in the arts, while also paving the way for a new generation of creatives that will help lead Detroit well into the future.”
Established in 2024 by Wally Prechter in honor of her husband, this scholarship was designed to attract top creative talent to CCS, ensuring an exceptional student body. Learn more about the Heinz C. Prechter Endowed Recruitment Scholarship.
Created in 2024 by Wally Prechter to honor her husband, this scholarship supports students with financial need, ensuring they can attend CCS regardless of their circumstances. Learn more about the Heinz C. Prechter Endowed Retention Scholarship.
Created in 2024 by Wally Prechter to honor her husband, this award recognizes a promising automotive design student who demonstrates exceptional design talent. Learn more about the Heinz C. Prechter Endowed Retention Scholarship.
Established in 2002 in memory of Helen and Paul Farago to provide scholarships for students entering the Transportation Design program in their junior year.
Established in memory of Ignacy “Iggy” Sumnik, a former multimedia artist with a specialty in ceramics, provoking those who engaged with his work to examine the environment and their role in it. His commitment to sharing his skills and love of art with young people in community learning environments was a high priority. Iggy’s connection to the Detroit community was primarily through his work as a Teaching Artist for the CCS Community Arts Partnerships program. He was active in that program until his unexpected death from a rare health condition in August of 2023. His family and friends know his legacy will live in the countless homes, galleries, and public places where his art is displayed. Iggy’s parents have established this endowed fund in his memory, and to ensure his commitment to fostering creativity in youth is continued by fellow teaching artists who share this passion. Funds will be used to benefit Community Arts Educators through the support of Teaching Artists in the Community Arts Partnerships program.
Established to honor Imre J. Molnar, former chief academic officer, Dean, and Provost at CCS. These awards will be given annually at commencement to a graduating student from each undergraduate department who is selected by the faculty as the graduate with the highest achievement as an artist.
Established in 2003 in memory of James Rose who was the founder and co-owner of GigaTrans; a high-capacity, high-speed wireless Internet service provider.
Established in 2015 by the Ward family, this endowed scholarship was created in memory of James R. Ward ‘92 to provide support for students studying advertising design.
Established by the Doner ad agency, this scholarship was created in memory of James R. Ward for advertising design students. At the time of his death in 2015 James was employed as an Art Director at Doner.
Established in 2001 to honor James S. Goldwasser, an extraordinary Liberal Arts professor who taught English courses at CCS for 30 years. He is remembered for challenging students to expand their minds by embracing literature and the art of writing. The scholarship is distributed each spring as the Goldwasser Fiction Writing Competition, a competition sponsored by the Liberal Arts department, in which graduating seniors are encouraged to submit works of fiction to be judged by CCS faculty committee. Learn More about the James S. Goldwasser Award.
Established in 2010 in memory of 1979 alumnus James W. Banton to provide scholarships for students in the Fine Arts department. Born deaf, James communicated with the help of his mother and his creative talent.
Manat Foundation established the Janice Charach Endowed Scholarship Fund in 2025 to honor a cherished daughter, Janice Charach (‘73 Advertising Design) and to support the next generation of emerging artists. The Janice Charach Endowed Scholarship is designated to provide scholarships for students enrolled in the Studio Art & Craft Department. Scholarships will support both recruitment and retention, providing flexibility to meet evolving needs within the department.
John Broutin was a respected advertising executive when he died suddenly in 1983 at the age of 42. His colleagues at Young & Rubicam established this scholarship in his name to provide support for advertising students.
This scholarship was established in 2024 by Tessa Semma Jarbo and her husband, John Jarbo, to honor the life and legacy of Kacy Semma, an inspiring and talented human who made significant contributions to the world of design. The establishment of this scholarship aims to empower students to fully engage in their studies and develop their artistic talents without the constraints of material shortages.
This scholarship established in 2022, made possible through the generosity of Kaiser Suidan ’93, was created to provide students assistance who are pursuing a creative education. Kaiser, from a large first-generation Lebanese family, was raised in small-town Milford. Michigan. While he was recognized early for his artistic talents, he probably would not have attended college if not for the full scholarship he received from the College for Creative Studies (CCS). Since graduation, Kaiser has built his career from a practice in a small basement studio to becoming an internationally known owner of a gallery, curator, instructor, and mentor. By creating this scholarship Kaiser hopes to pay forward the possibility for other students, like him, to pursue their creative dreams at CCS.
The scholarship fund established by the late Lois P. Cohn is a generous initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to students pursuing a Fine Art education with a specific focus on painting, printmaking, or sculpture. The establishment of this scholarship is a testament to her commitment to fostering creativity and artistic excellence in the next generation of fine artists.
Established in 2026, this scholarship honors the legacy of the late Maria Luisa Rossi, Professor & Chair Emerita, and her profound influence on graduate education at CCS. Reflecting her deep commitment to rigorous research and attention to detail, this scholarship recognizes a graduate student in an MA or MFA program whose research meaningfully underpins an exceptional capstone project.
Established in 1990, this scholarship seeks to provide support for a liberal arts student entering his or her senior year.
This scholarship was established in 2024 in memory of Mel Ross, who attended the Detroit Society of Arts and Craft, the precursor to CCS, and studied Commercial Art beginning in 1958. This annual scholarship is generously funded by the Sydney and Elizabeth Ross Family Foundation and is dedicated to supporting students with financial need in their pursuit of education in the trade programs.
Committed to honoring Mel Ross’s legacy and the values upheld by the Sydney and Elizabeth Ross Family Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower young adults in financial need by providing access to education at CCS.
This scholarship was created in memory of Michael J. Swancutt, a Detroit Catholic Central graduate and gifted artist who participated in church activities, Boy Scouts, track and football. According to his parents, “Micky was concerned that he hadn’t done enough for people while he was here, so he wanted to set up a scholarship fund in his name for a student who wanted to go into fine arts.” This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen from Detroit Catholic Central or another Catholic high school.
This scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Milan Talreja whose passion for life was truly remarkable. Milan will always be remembered for his infectious laughter, his exceptional ability to connect with people, and his energy for engaging in great discussions. In addition to his interests in chess, biking and running, Milan found joy in creating art, expressing his creativity through various mediums such as sketching and calligraphy. Milan’s giving nature and his profound love for art intertwined beautifully, making this scholarship a fitting tribute to his spirit.
The Detroit Dream Scholars Fund was established in 2011 with the purpose of providing scholarships for students from Detroit to attend CCS as undergraduates. Each scholarship recipient is required to complete a summer public art project as a way of giving back to the City of Detroit. Learn more about the Mitch Albom Detroit Dream Scholars.
Established in 1991, the Mitch Albom Dream Fund Endowment provides scholarship funding for more than 50 Detroit children to participate in the College’s youth summer art program and pre-college summer experiences for high school students. Learn More about the Mitch Albom Dream Fund.
Paula Marie Zammit passed away on April 4, 2022. Throughout her life, many were blessed by her artistic talents and supportive spirit. Paula was not afraid to embark on new challenges and at the age of 46 began her college journey. She earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies and touched the lives of many students and staff. Paula always encouraged others and found joy in their successes. She was an extraordinary artist who not only captured the beauty around her in paintings but emanated that same beauty to her family and friends. It was her belief that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. It is in this spirit that the Paula Zammit Scholarship was established to honor her memory and give back to other students attending CCS.
The Pophouse Annual Scholarship seeks to support an outstanding individual to help increase diversity in the interior design field. Founded in 2013 in Detroit, Michigan, Pophouse is a women-owned and led design studio focused on the built environment. Pophouse works on both commercial and residential projects with a specialty in workplace, hospitality, and retail.
Established in 2007, this scholarship provides funding for minority freshman entering the Graphic Design program, contributing to the diversity of the CCS student body, and the design profession
Established in 2019, this scholarship honors former CCS President Rick Rogers, and his wife Susan. The fund provides scholarships to students demonstrating financial need with a particular emphasis on increasing diversity of the undergraduate student body.
The late Rita Dilanian attended CCS in the late 1960’s, graduating from Graphic Design in 1969. For many years, she was an in-house Art Director for The Detroit Free Press. She loved her experience at CCS, and felt that she received an excellent education. Over the years, she hired a number of interns from CCS, and was always extremely pleased with the work they produced. After leaving the Free Press, she worked independently. Ms. Dilanian created the Dilanian Scholarship in 2006 because she wanted to give something back to the institution that gave so much to her over the years. She wanted to name the scholarship after her family because she is very proud of her Armenian heritage. The criteria she established for the scholarship is a Graphic Design student who is an ‘average, hard-working’ student. Scholarships are awarded to degree-seeking students majoring in Graphic Design.
Established by Dr. Carol Smallenburg and named for the Smallenberg family, this fund is intended to benefit Liberal Arts majors.
Established in 2025 by Crystal L. Windham (Hunter) ‘94 Industrial Design-Transportation and her husband, Clinton D. Windham, to give back to creatives and to support and inspire others like her to pursue an education in art and design. She is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of artists and designers. Through this scholarship, she hopes to make a meaningful impact and encourage others to follow their creative passions. Learn more about the Windham-Hunter Endowed Scholarship.