This prize and fund is established as a living tribute to Mackinac College and our forever President, Dr. S. Douglas Cornell, whose vision and leadership meant so much to those who were part of Mackinac College between 1966 and 1970. The Fund that supports the Prize, the public Mackinac College Web site, and the Prize itself share three purposes:
1) To draw attention to the true merits of a Mackinac College (1966-70) education and reestablish the notion that the Mackinac College was a unique and serious experiment in American education.
2) To draw broader attention to Mackinac Island beyond that of a seasonal resort.
3) To establish and grow a dialogue concerning issues of relevance to and beyond the Island. It was the principles more than the buildings that defined Mackinac College. If we are to have a lasting legacy, we have to keep these principles front and center.
Candidate
An individual, group, or organization who best exemplifies the caliber and character of Mackinac College and our president, Dr. S. Douglas Cornell in the following three areas:
Taking on a leadership role, wherever you may be;
Addressing an issue of relevance to the times, approaching that issue with a meaningful sense of purpose beyond one’s self;
And doing so with a deep dedication to excellence.
The prize is open to any citizen of the world and awarded based on a nominating letter. The letter must include specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies the above qualities.
Procedure
Beginning in January of the year preceding the Prize year and ending in January of the Prize year, advertising for and acceptance of applications or nominations will take place.
An Advisory Committee of from three to five people, composed of Island civic leaders selected by the Mackinac Island Community Foundation Board and a donor representative, will recommend a winner to the Foundation Board, whose decision will be final. A prize will not be awarded if the nominations do not meet the standards for the award. The decision will be made during the April foundation granting cycle. The first Prize will be awarded in 2010, with applications and the nomination accepted starting January 2009. The Advisory Committee will notify the recipient of the Prize. An award ceremony will take place at Grand Hotel during the summer season on Mackinac Island to coincide with Mackinac College reunion years.
An individual, group or organization world-wide may apply for or be nominated for this Prize. Former students and faculty of Mackinac College are not eligible. The winner will be selected based on a nominating letter defining how they mirror the purpose and goals of Mackinac College, as determined by the Advisory Committee.
Prize Details
In addition to the crystal Prize award interest earned on the Fund during the intervening years, up to a maximum of $10,000, will be available to the recipient in the form of contributions in their name to established 501(C)3 charities of their choosing. In keeping with the mission statement of the Mackinac Island Community Foundation, a minimum of 25% of the contributions will be awarded to a Mackinac Island based 501(C)3 organization or to an already established fund within the family of funds the Foundation holds.
This prize and fund is established as a living tribute to Mackinac College and our forever President, Dr. S. Douglas Cornell, whose vision and leadership meant so much to those who were part of Mackinac College between 1966 and 1970. The Fund that supports the Prize, the public Mackinac College Web site, and the Prize itself share three purposes: