Each year two students will be selected to be awarded $50,000, to be dispersed over 4 years. Gilbert Family Foundation also announced scholarship support for pre-college summer workshops and completion scholarships aimed at retaining students.

Gilbert Family Foundation and College for Creative Studies (CCS) today announced a new $1 million grant to expand the Gilbert Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship. This new funding is in addition to the $1 million committed by the Foundation in 2023, bringing the total endowment to $2 million.

In Fall 2024, the Gilbert Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship provided support for one CCS undergraduate student. Moving forward, the fund will provide two scholarships each year, covering four years of tuition for two selected students from Detroit. To qualify, recipients must reside in Detroit, be a graduate of a Detroit-area high school and demonstrate financial need, as determined by the CCS Office of Financial Aid.

“Detroit has a long history of leading the world through art, design and innovation,” said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of the Gilbert Family Foundation. “Expanding this scholarship offers more talented students in Detroit access to the resources and opportunities needed to pursue an artistic career. These students are the next generation of creative leaders who will shape the future of Detroit’s art and design community.”

This scholarship does more than cover educational costs; it gives students the stability they need to focus on their education and artistic growth. Without financial stress, they can develop their skills, explore new creative opportunities and contribute to Detroit’s vibrant arts scene.

“This scholarship means a lot to me. It’s given me a chance to get out there in the art world and continue creating,” said Chris Romero Hernandez, GFF Scholar ’25. “It’s been my heart’s desire to work as an artist. I don’t know how to express my genuine gratitude and thanks to Gilbert Family Foundation. This scholarship means I have the chance to study and train in my craft to one day make my dreams come true.”

In addition to the endowed scholarships, Gilbert Family Foundation has also committed $50,000 for 12 pre-college scholarships in the summer of 2025, as well as $25,000 for completion scholarships to support the retention of enrolled juniors and seniors from Detroit. This comprehensive support aims to address the specific barriers Detroit students face when pursuing careers in the arts, particularly concerning financial access and early exposure.

Gilbert Family Foundation’s continued support aligns with CCS’s mission to create accessible and transformative educational experiences for students from our community.

Photo Credit: Lesley Mason ’00 Photography

At a recent donor appreciation luncheon hosted by the College for Creative Studies, donors and scholarship recipients gathered in the General Motors Auditorium at the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education to celebrate the transformative power of education – and the generosity that makes it possible. Held on October 22, the event provided a meaningful platform for heartfelt connections between those who give and those who benefit from their support.

Jim Nicholson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, spoke about the profound impact philanthropy has on the college community. “Every scholarship represents a story of hope and ambition,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to invest in these talented individuals who will shape the future of our industries. Your contributions are not just financial support, they are lifelines that help students reach their full potential.”

As attendees listened, they were reminded of the difference philanthropy makes for students navigating the challenges of college. Guests heard firsthand how scholarships have transformed lives, opening doors to education and brighter futures.

A senior scholarship recipient at CCS shared how pivotal his scholarship has been to his journey. “About four years ago, I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to graduate from CCS… I genuinely had no clue how I would afford college, much less a school as prestigious as this one.” Now on track to graduate in 2025, he expressed deep gratitude for the experiences his scholarship made possible, from studying abroad to gaining skills and mentors that have “changed the trajectory” of his life. “This career path wouldn’t have been possible without donors taking a chance on me,” he said, adding that he hopes to one day support students just as he has been supported.

For him and many others, scholarship support has been the difference between dreams deferred and dreams realized. Another scholarship recipient shared her journey to CCS, recalling both the excitement of her acceptance and the sense of relief that came with receiving scholarship support. Receiving the Alumni Scholarship, she said, was the moment she could finally focus on what truly mattered: making art. “Thanks to your generosity, I’m able to accomplish what I’m really at CCS to do: make art … I’m forever grateful that you choose to value our education, our artmaking and our financial success as young adults.”

CCS President Don Tuski emphasized the vital role scholarships play in shaping students’ futures. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that scholarships have on our students’ lives. Your support not only lightens their financial load but empowers them to explore their full potential and push the boundaries of creativity,” he shared. “Today, we celebrate not just education, but the transformative role that creativity plays in shaping our future.”

Tessa Semma Jarbo, whose sister Kacy Semma Hall graduated from CCS in 2006, spoke movingly about the inspiration behind the scholarship that honors her sister’s memory. “Kacy’s cancer diagnosis became an invaluable lesson that life is not guaranteed for anyone and time is our most precious resource,” Jarbo shared. In establishing the Kacy Semma Memorial Scholarship, she and her husband Johnny sought to pay tribute to Kacy’s “creative spirit and commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists and designers.” She expressed their hope that the scholarship will “not only provide resources but also inspire recipients to give back to the creative community, continuing the cycle of inspiration that Kacy started.”

Katie Rusak, CCS Director of Advancement, echoed the importance of connecting donors with the students they support. “These moments of connection are what it’s all about,” Rusak shared. “Your support not only provides critical financial assistance but inspires our students to pursue their passions and dreams. We are here to recognize the profound impact scholarships have on our students’ lives, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.”

In closing, Rusak expressed heartfelt appreciation: “On behalf of the entire CCS community, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you,” she said. “Your belief in our mission and in our students makes all the difference. You empower students to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial worry, and for that, we are forever grateful.”

For more information about establishing a scholarship or to learn more about the College for Creative Studies, please contact Katie Rusak at [email protected] or 313.664.7861. Photos from the event can be viewed here.

The College for Creative Studies is pleased to announce the establishment of three endowed scholarships made possible by a $2 million gift by Waltraud (Wally) E. Prechter, in honor of her late husband Heinz C. Prechter.

Detroit, MI – Waltraud (Wally) E. Prechter has committed $2 million to expand opportunities for students through the establishment of three new scholarships at the College for Creative Studies to financially support CCS students and honor and memorialize Heinz Prechter’s lasting legacy of innovation in the automobile industry, generosity and commitment to the community.

“Heinz had a unique passion for customizing cars and a love for automotive design. It is my honor to support CCS students with this gift, which exemplifies Heinz’s belief in education and access to opportunities,” said Mrs. Prechter. “I think he would be thrilled to know that recipients will pursue studies in art and design, especially in areas close to his heart. His motto always emphasized the fact that “We are here to make a difference in the world. I am grateful to see his legacy live on.”

A valued member of the CCS Board of Trustees, Mrs. Prechter is a dedicated advocate for mental health and the arts. Her vision and leadership have played a pivotal role in advancing CCS’s mission and ensuring its continued growth.

As a premier institution for art and design, CCS provides students with the essential resources needed to thrive in the ever-evolving creative industries. These resources include an immersive experiential learning program, world-class facilities, and top-tier studio spaces—each designed to enhance student creativity and career preparation.

While these opportunities are key to shaping successful careers, they are resource-intensive and impact the cost of attendance at an institution like CCS. Scholarships and awards, like these created by Mrs. Prechter, address the financial realities faced by students seeking these exceptional art and design educational experiences.

“These funds will be crucial in helping us attract and support talented students, ensuring they can obtain a degree regardless of financial circumstances and providing the stability they need to thrive throughout their time at college. We are so thankful to Wally for her dedication and leadership as a CCS board member and are grateful to be chosen to honor Heinz in this way,” said Donald Tuski, President, College for Creative Studies.

The endowed funds will establish recruitment and retention scholarships and an award for a promising automotive design student.

  • Heinz C. Prechter Endowed Recruitment Scholarship This endowed scholarship is being established to enhance CCS’s ability to recruit creative and talented students interested in studying art and design.
  • Heinz C. Prechter Endowed Retention Scholarship This endowed scholarship is being created to support current students facing financial challenges and help them stay on track to complete their degrees.
  • Heinz C. Prechter Endowed Design Award This endowed scholarship award recognizes a promising automotive design student who demonstrates exceptional design talent.

Heinz, a former CCS Trustee and a prominent figure in the Detroit community founded the American Sunroof Corporation in the 1960s. He had a profound impact on the automotive industry and grew his business into a diverse and expansive network of highly successful companies. Known for his visionary entrepreneurial spirit, Heinz will be remembered not only for his business achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to civic and charitable causes, inspiring all who knew him with his dedication to making a lasting difference.

Ninety-eight percent of CCS students receive financial assistance and these scholarships will continue the College’s mission to support talented incoming and current students.