Scholarship Joe Brisson Memorial Endowment
This scholarship fund was established to honor the memory of Joe Brisson, a Grand Traverse County student and resident.
Joe loved athletics, particularly soccer, which was a passion he held throughout his life. He played on Traverse City's varsity soccer team for three years and later for the Traverse City Trappers. He was an avid swimmer, a mountain and rock climber, a cyclist, a runner, a golfer and an ultimate Frisbee player. In 1990 he climbed Mount Rainier.
Joe went to school in Montana to live in the mountains he loved, and in 1992 he graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in philosophy, geography and Asian studies. He studied Chinese and through studies in Missoula, China and Taiwan, became fluent in Mandarin Chinese. In 1992 and 1993 he studied at Hangzchou University in China. He funded his trip in part through an international scholarship from the Rotary Club of Missoula.
Joe later lived in Taipei, Taiwan, for a year where he taught English and then in Taichung, Taiwan, on and off for four years, where he also taught English. In 1993 Joe biked across China solo and in 1994 he biked along the east coast of Australia. Joe also took up ultimate Frisbee and played with the University of Montana and Calgary, Alberta, Canada teams. He also played soccer with the university soccer club. Joe made many friends in his lifelong journey and his friends recall him as a charismatic, magnetic, loving, sensitive, fun-loving, and filled with life.
Scholarship Requirements:
- Applicant must be planning to pursue a post-secondary education (including at a trade/vocational school, community college, or university)
- Students will be asked to complete an essay question that describes why they are a good candidate for this particular memorial scholarship (i.e. demonstrates shared qualities, passions and a zest for life with Joe Brisson)
- Must love soccer and have played on a league
- Academic performance and financial need are not primary considerations for selection of a recipient
- A letter of recommendation from a teach, coach, administrator or counselor must be submitted
Make a Donation to Scholarship Joe Brisson Memorial Endowment
Date Established: 11/22/1999
Fund Type:
Field Of Interest
Theme:
Education
Counties Served:
[Antrim]
[Benzie]
[Grand Traverse]
[Kalkaska]
[Leelanau]
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