Otto Scholarship
Richard and Lorayne Otto are both former Auto-Owners Group employees. When they established their college scholarship fund, they knew exactly who they wanted it to help.
“I like to think that we are Auto-Owners Blue Bloods," Richard said. "During the many years of association and employment, we have received many blessings from Auto-Owners and have wanted to do something for the company that has given us so much. As a result of our desire to do something for the company, we have made a gift to the Capital Region Community Foundation."
Dick's father worked for Auto-Owners until his death in 1945. Dick and Lorayne met in Auto-Owners Underwriting File Department in 1951. Lorayne continued to work there part-time, on and off over the years. Dick continued with the company for the duration of his career, retiring in 1993. He served on the Auto-Owners Board until 1999.
Since 2006, the fund has granted more than $622,000 in scholarships!
SELECTION COMMITTEE:
The Otto Scholarship Selection Committee consists of five independent reviewers from the greater Lansing area, with no conflict of interest with Auto-Owners or its employees. It is the intent of the scholarship committee that all applications submitted for review will be given a fair and balanced evaluation, based on the established criteria.
WHO MAY APPLY:
Legal dependents of Auto Owners Insurance Group employees (not affiliates) are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The employee must be in good standing as verified by the HR department. It is not required that applicants live in the Lansing area to qualify.
- Student applicant must be a senior in high school, and may seek this scholarship for their freshman year of college only. This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship.
- Student must plan to enroll full time at an accredited 2 or 4 year educational institution in the United States.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:
Awards typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, based on many factors including whether the recipient is attending a two or four year college. Students are assessed on academic performance, extracurricular activities, goals and aspirations, family financial need and/or extenuating circumstances.