Janet A. Wessel Scholarship
Fund Type
Scholarship
Scholarship
Established
03/17/2016
03/17/2016
Purpose
Scholarships to graduating seniors of Shelby High School with preference to students pursuing an education degree, especially special education.
Scholarships to graduating seniors of Shelby High School with preference to students pursuing an education degree, especially special education.
Story
Janet Wessel was a professor of Kinesiology at Michigan State University for nearly forty years. A gifted and caring professor, Janet was dedicated to helping students succeed in their education. She researched and publicized inclusive physical education, focusing on both older women and children with disabilities. Janet taught at the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland before finding her academic niche at the Michigan State University. She attended a series of universities, earning her teaching degree, a master’s degree, and her Ph.D. As one of few women within her career, Janet helped pave the way for other women to work within physical education. She was one of two women within her Ph.D. program at the University of Southern California. Janet greatly linked her educational career to the availability of scholarships, citing them as the support necessary for her education. Establishing a scholarship for Shelby High School graduates, with a preference for those pursuing an education degree, is a continuation of her passion for education and community. After she retired from teaching, Janet enjoyed her summers in Oceana County, inspiring her investment in Shelby students.
Janet Wessel was a professor of Kinesiology at Michigan State University for nearly forty years. A gifted and caring professor, Janet was dedicated to helping students succeed in their education. She researched and publicized inclusive physical education, focusing on both older women and children with disabilities. Janet taught at the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland before finding her academic niche at the Michigan State University. She attended a series of universities, earning her teaching degree, a master’s degree, and her Ph.D. As one of few women within her career, Janet helped pave the way for other women to work within physical education. She was one of two women within her Ph.D. program at the University of Southern California. Janet greatly linked her educational career to the availability of scholarships, citing them as the support necessary for her education. Establishing a scholarship for Shelby High School graduates, with a preference for those pursuing an education degree, is a continuation of her passion for education and community. After she retired from teaching, Janet enjoyed her summers in Oceana County, inspiring her investment in Shelby students.