This scholarship was established in 2022 by his parents Maxwell Vanarsdale II & Veda C. Vanarsdale in loving Memory of Michael and the legacy he left behind in everyone's life he touched.

Mychael Yarns Vanarsdale was born November 29, 1988, to Maxwell and Veda Vanarsdale Jr. They were in their forty's when they had him, so it was a total surprise! Mychael was the apple of so many people's eyes, especially his mother Veda. He was always there, willing, and able to lend a hand.

Mychael attended various schools in his elementary years in district 201-U. After graduating from Crete-Monee High School in 2007, Myke enrolled South Suburban College to pursue a career in Construction Technology. Mychael attended Illinois State University for two years but returned to Prairie State and Governors State University to complete his Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications. During Mychael's time at Governors State University, he dedicated himseJf to making a difference by becoming the President of Black Student Union, President of Student Senate, and being an activist for college funding, for GSU and across the state.

Mychael dedicated his time mentoring and giving back to the community while employed with the Young lnvincibles as a Midwest Organizer. He also worked at 3 Seeds Mentoring Group as an Outreach Specialist. He enjoyed participating in The Youth Summit which provides young adults with the power of choice.

When Myke was in his element, he was either behind the camera, in front of the camera, or on stage performing with C.A.B., a group started in college. Mychael was cool, calm, and usually collected around everyone. He loved playing games from monopoly to spades and beyond. He was really into sports, mostly basketball and football. He enjoyed nothing better than watching a game with his best bud, his cat Bossman.

Mychael loved to watch documentaries and movies of historical value. He was well-read and liked to share with anyone who would listen. He loved writing poetry and songs. He loved hanging out with his guys, and the group he belonged to was called Crew of All Bosses, a.ka. C.A.B. The group strived on entrepreneurship, leadership, and uplifting community. Most of all, Mychael loved spending quality time with his mama and pops. Mychael departed this world on May 15, 2021.

Please consider helping a dedicated student by donating to the Vanarsdale Scholarship today!

Eligibility:

1. Must be an undergraduate student enrolled at Governors State University involved in leadership roles with Student Senate or Black Student Union
2. Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
3. The family requests that the applicants review the video of Mychael’s on campus Celebration of Life to better understand the legacy he left behind
1. https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZkYctXZ29XHPOeh35kkJvW16FlgKYY4lb4X

Documents Required:

1. Must complete an essay (500 to 1000 words) discussing the student’s leadership; please focus on your on campus leadership activities, however you can provide evidence of you off-campus leadership.
2. One letter of recommendation must be submitted attesting to the student’s leadership involvement and capabilities.

Award Information:

One award at 1000 dollars annually.

Note: Award amounts may vary based on funding, availability, and addition, if any, to principal. Amount awarded shall not exceed tuition costs.

 Donation Questions:

Email us at engage@govst.edu or Call us at +1.708.235.7510

Student Applicants:

If you’re interested in applying for this scholarship, or for more information, click here. Please note that during scholarship review periods, not all scholarships will be visible.  

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