On the cusp of the new millennium, Michael Smiarowski’s plans to pursue his master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University held enormous promise. A 1996 Cornell graduate, Michael spent four years working as an engineer in Phoenix and was ready for his new adventure when a car accident took his life. In the midst of indescribable grief, the Smiarowski family chose to keep Michael’s memory alive by helping others. They established a permanent scholarship fund in Michael’s name that provides two awards annually to graduates of his alma mater, Turner’s Falls High School. Michael’s mother, Betty, was of the first generation in her family to graduate from college, and then she taught math for thirty years, “My husband went to NYU for two years, but had to return to the family farm when his brother went off to war. Our children’s education was the realization of his dream. When Michael died, we wanted to help more people achieve their dreams.” So far, the Michael A. Smiarowksi Scholarship Fund has provided $29,800 to support the dreams of 14 students, and that’s just the beginning. This fund is endowed, and will fulfill the promise of countless students for generations to come. |
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Betty Smiarowski and her daughter Julie celebrate Michael’s memory through a generous endowed scholarship fund in his name.
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