The Bay College Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Don Mlostek Memorial Scholarship, created to honor the life, service, and community commitment of Donald “Don” Mlostek. The scholarship will be awarded each year, beginning in the 2027 - 2028 academic year.
The scholarship will be awarded to a Bay College student pursuing a degree or certificate in a skilled trades program. This focus reflects Don’s appreciation for hands-on work, strong work ethic, and the vital role skilled trades play in building and sustaining communities.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1946, Don Mlostek dedicated much of his life to public service and entrepreneurship. After graduating from high school in 1964, he served his community for 13 years as an officer with the Detroit Police Department. In 1980, Don relocated to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he partnered with his parents in operating the Log Jam Bar in Ford River and later became the owner of Niagara Logistics. He successfully led the business until his retirement in 2018.
Don was deeply involved in his community and was a proud member of the Eagles Club and a life member of Elks Lodge 354. During retirement, he and his wife, Sandy enjoyed spending winters in Cape Coral, Florida, and summers in Menominee. Don valued time with family and friends and found joy in golfing, fishing, and hunting. His generosity, strong work ethic, and commitment to community left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
“Don believed deeply in the value of hard work and took great pride in building something meaningful through dedication and perseverance,” said Don’s wife, Sandy Szapa. “It is our hope that this scholarship will support students pursuing the trades while honoring the kind of determination and community spirit that meant so much to him.”
Bay College students can apply for scholarships online at www.baycollege.edu/scholarships. Founded in 1972, the Bay College Foundation connects individuals and businesses with opportunities to transform lives through higher education. To learn more about the Foundation or ways to give, visit www.baycollege.edu/foundation, email foundation@baycollege.edu, or call (906) 217-1700.
About Bay College
Bay College is the community’s college with a mission of: Student Success, Community Success, and Culture of Success. Bay is devoted to each individual’s achievement in the classroom, on-campus, online, in the community and into the workforce by providing career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings, and professional development programs which develop skillsets, enrich individuals, and advance careers. #BayIsTheWay