Mark Ulrickson Donor Story

A new scholarship fund at the Community Foundation of Marquette County will help local students receive a college education and carry on the legacy of the late Dr. Mark Ulrickson, a Marquette ophthalmologist, Ishpeming native and supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

The Mark Ulrickson Memorial Scholarship Fund will present $1,000 annually to a Marquette County student who excels academically and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to students who have participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, as well as to those who are enrolling at Northern Michigan University.

Dr. Ulrickson, who passed away in October 2016, had served as a Big Brother for seven years and was also a financial supporter of the program. His children, Joy La Prade, Peter Ulrickson, Juliann Ulrickson and Valerie Aalto, along with their spouses, chose to establish the scholarship in his memory.

“Our father cared about the success and well-being of the Marquette County community and looked for opportunities to support local children and families in need,” they said. “We hope this scholarship fund will continue the work he started and make a difference in the community where he invested so much of his time, money, energy and love.”

Born and raised in Ishpeming, Dr. Ulrickson served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Marquette to earn a biochemistry degree at Northern Michigan University. After completing medical school at Michigan State University, he served for many years as an ophthalmologist in the U.S. Navy before entering private practice and returning to Marquette.

Since 2003, he was one of the owners of Upper Peninsula Eye Specialists, where he cared for his patients with compassion and personal attention. He was also a member of CrossBridge Church in Ishpeming. “Our dad was proud to be from Ishpeming and proud to be part of the Marquette community,” his children said. “He wanted to help this community and the people in it. We look forward to seeing the impact his scholarship will have on the students who receive it, and how they will make an impact on the Marquette area in the years to come.”

Click here to support the Mark Ulrickson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Pam Benton Memorial

Pam served as a Trustee of the Community Foundation since the fall of 2013. She brought to the position her experience and knowledge of philanthropic operations and development and quickly embraced the philanthropic goals of the foundation.

“Pam was a dynamic and engaged Board Trustee who truly understood the positive potential that the foundation could have on the Marquette County community. This positive thinking was truly representative of Pam’s orientation to her work and her life,” said Gail Anthony, CEO of the Community Foundation. “Her commitment and positive energy are reflected in the courageous way that Pam dealt with the tragic illness that befell her that caused her to take a short leave to focus on her health and family.”

“When I think about Pam Benton, I think of a servant leader,” said Jack Lenten, CFMC Chair, “Pam was someone who had a positive impact both through and for others. Pam felt passionate about her family, friends and her community. We will be forever grateful for her service to the Community Foundation.”

“Pam will be remembered for serving on the development and annual celebration committees where her leadership, attention to details, “can-do” attitude and endless lists helped make for wildly successful events. “Her contributions are immeasurable and her legacy of service will live on,” said Anthony.

To make a gift in Pam’s memory, click here.