A former U.S. president who served as an instructor and assistant football coach at what would later become Davenport University will now have a scholarship created in his honor there.

Davenport University announced at its annual fund-raising dinner May 9 that it will begin, in fall 2009, to annually award a new Gerald R. Ford Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be presented to a highly distinguished student pursuing a four-year degree on the university's campus just south of Grand Rapids.

Gerald Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and granted permission before his death in 2006 for Davenport University to name a scholarship in his honor. The full scholarship will include tuition, room and board, study abroad, and fees and books for four years. Selection criteria are being established and will include the highest academic qualifications of any Davenport University scholarship. Applicants will also be required to write an essay conveying how they will uphold the values and character of President Ford.

"This scholarship, our university's most prestigious, is a fitting tribute to the legacy of President Ford and will be a truly lifelong mark of distinction for the student recipient," said Davenport University President Randolph K. Flechsig.

Marty Allen, chairman emeritus of the Gerald R. Ford Foundation noted, "President Ford said 'America has never become but is always in the act of becoming.' He had a belief and confidence in young people today and for generations to come."

Davenport University -- the only Michigan-based private university specializing in business, technology and health professions -- serves approximately 12,000 students through its campus in Caledonia Township (Grand Rapids), other locations in Michigan and online. Focusing on innovative, practical and affordable education, Davenport offers graduate and undergraduate degrees. More information is available at