The Class of 1931E Scholarships

The extended family of the Class of 1931E includes almost 100 University of Michigan graduates and current students who have received the Class of ’31E Scholarship.

Scholars are selected by the ’31E Scholarship Committee. The Committee consists of family members of 1931E Classmates, Alumni Scholars, and University representatives. The Class of 1931E Scholarships are awarded based on academic record, community service, school activities, and employment experience. Relatives and descendants of 1931E class members will be given priority.

About the Scholarships

Five to eight scholarships are typically awarded each year; however, the number and value of the award depend upon the amount of interest generated by the endowment fund. Awards are determined annually by the ’31E Committee. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the award for in-state students was $11,000 and for out-of-state students $26,000. Currently, the fund supports 20 Scholars and scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as the Scholar continues to be eligible. Since the Program’s inception, more than 200 scholars have received more than $6 million in scholarship funding.

Requirements for Initial Eligibility

• Freshman student in the College of Engineering
• Maximum of 25 credits earned at the University (AP, HS dual enrollment, etc. not included)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above
• Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

Application and Selection Timeline

The application for the 2025-2026 1931E Scholarship will open in January 2025.

• Early January: 1931E Scholarship application opens and eligible students are notified via email by the Engineering Scholarship Office
• Late January: Application deadline for 1931E Scholarship for following the academic year
• February: ’31E Scholarship Committee selects 15-20 candidates for interviews
• Late March: Selected candidates are interviewed by the ’31E Committee
• June: Candidates will be notified over the summer of the Committee’s final decision
• August: Recipients of the 1931E Scholarship can view award on Wolverine Access

Requirements for Scholarship Renewal

Scholars must continue to carry a full-time academic load of at least 12 credits per term as undergrads; (6 credits for half-length spring or summer terms).  Scholars that are continuing on for their Master’s degree must be enrolled for a minimum of 8 credit hours for full-time status; (4 credits for half-length spring or summer terms).  

Scholars must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 each semester.  

If a Scholar falls below the 3.25 GPA requirements and there are extenuating circumstances, the Scholar may request a waiver through the Engineering Scholarships Office.  The Scholarship Committee will determine whether to waive the criteria.

Awards will be given for a maximum of 4 years.

Scholar Recognition Program

The Paul S. and Grace L. Bigby Dinner for 31E Scholars is held each Fall on Homecoming Weekend. The dinner grew out of the annual 31E Class Reunion and is a chance for current Scholars and guests, their parents, former Scholars, 31E Classmates’ families, Committee members and  School of Engineering Staff and Faculty to spend time together remembering the class members, learning about the current scholars and making life-long connections.

Each Spring the Louise G. Johnson Reception is held in March. The reception is a chance for the Scholars to network with each other, the 31E Committee and University Officials. Seniors are honored and stoles are presented for graduation.

Kurt Verhoff, grandson of 31E Class member Steele Bailey, designed a lapel pin for the 31E Scholarships. The pin is given to each scholar in recognition of their selection as a scholar. The design of the pin has also become the symbol of the Scholarship program. The design can be seen at the top of this page.

Tim Jacobs, an Alumni Scholar and former committee member suggested that the Scholars should also be recognized at graduation for the hard work in securing and maintaining the academic standard needed for a 31E scholarship. A stole was created and is given to each graduating scholar.

Connect with the 31E Family

Please introduce yourself to the 31E Family! If you are:

• A relative of a Class of 1931E member, please email us!
• An Alumni Scholar of the Class of ’31E Scholarship, please tell us what you’ve been up to!
• First-year engineering students can review the application, when available, for more information and to complete and submit the application form.

Questions for the Class of ’31E Scholarship Committee can be sent to Ann McFarren.

The 2022 -2023 31E Scholarship Committee