Goodwin Financial Assistance Fund Helps Students in Need

“Help others to achieve their dreams--in any way, shape or form that you are able to throughout your career. After all, we have gotten to where we are because of the support of many people, some of whom we don’t even know.” Dr. Irma Lopez, Interim Dean of Lee Honors College, shared this advice in her words to graduating students this spring. Thanks to the support of WMU alumnus Michael Goodwin, Lee Honors College students were able to address financial difficulties impacting their lives.

Established in January 2021, The Michael Goodwin Scholarship and Financial Assistance Fund splits Mr. Goodwin’s gift in two parts: assistance with tuition (70%) and emergency funding for current honors college students (30%). Watch for future updates illustrating Mr. Goodwin's impact on fall 2021 tuition scholarships for honors students.

The Financial Assistance Fund supports both domestic and international students of the Lee Honors College who require additional financial support due to unforeseen circumstances including medical bills, transportation or other emergency expenses that fall outside of the official WMU estimated cost of attendance. For the spring 2021 semester, five students received financial support due to the generosity of Michael Goodwin.

Mr. Michael Goodwin, a 1987 graduate of Western Michigan University, is the Managing Partner and founder of the Bluefin Companies. His career in trading began in the early 90s with Susquehanna Investment Group before moving to New York to work for Morgan Stanley. In 2001, he founded Bluefin and actively manages the firm’s day to day risk and trading activities.

Michael is a proud Bronco who has fond memories from his time on campus and tries to get back to the Kalamazoo area whenever he can. He hopes his gift will help current Lee Honors College students achieve great success and have a meaningful experience much like the one he had as an undergraduate at Western Michigan University.

As the students who recently received emergency funding can attest, the Goodwin Fund has made a lasting impact on their lives. One recipient shared, “It is an honor to receive this award. Coming from a low-income, single-parent, first-generation college student background, I have encountered a number of hardships along the way during my first year of college, with finances being one of the greater ones. Thank you so much for your kindness. I will never forget your generosity.”

Another recipient wrote of the Goodwin Fund, “Your scholarship has opened a door and the prospect of a brighter future and will play a key role in shaping me into a successful person in future. Donors like you make life brighter for us and I can only hope that one day, I too will be in your position to bring a smile to another needy student. I’m currently working so hard towards that goal.”

Thank you to Mr. Goodwin for giving back to his fellow Broncos and helping Lee Honors College students achieve their dreams.