DON TORLINE - 2026 SCHOLARSHIP

Don Torline had a remarkable life’s journey. Don spent many years in Macomb County as a gifted leader and President of Baker College, Mount Clemens. He was known as a compassionate humanitarian volunteering his time and receiving numerous community service and leadership awards, ultimately serving as president of Mount Clemens Rotary Club. However, many did not know that Don came from humble beginnings. He had an impoverished, rough and tumble childhood, had a caring coach who changed the trajectory of his life, and persevered through the difficulty of raising a young family, working full-time and attending college on the GI Bill as a Vietnam veteran.

Don’s humble roots, humor and gratefulness grounded him to take the time to truly see you. He would see your potential and he wanted that future for you. In doing so, he impacted truly countless lives as a leader, educator, friend and family man. Don believed in giving everyone, regardless of background, the opportunity to succeed through higher education, to be meaningfully employed through responsible business development and to serve those in need in the Macomb community. We have created the Mount Clemens Rotary Foundation - Don Torline Scholarship Fund to support those of generous spirit that will lead our communities with kindness and integrity, into the future.

The Mount Clemens Rotary Foundation - Don Torline Scholarship Fund encourages all applicants who need funding for higher education expenses to apply. Special consideration will be given to those Macomb County students who exemplify Don’s commitment to non-traditional learners: returning to education after life circumstances, having work and family responsibilities, or serving the community including through military service. The focus will be on those interested in careers in education and
business, along with those displaying an aptitude for bringing people together to improve our local community.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants can be applying for, accepted for, or already enrolled in, a college-level degree program or vocational certified program, must be a resident of Macomb County, and must be able to provide legal
documentation of residency upon request. Previous award winners may reapply, but will not receive priority placement when being considered against current year applicants. Don Torline scholarships are
granted to candidates on the basis of satisfactory evidence of their achievements, dedication, volunteer activities and financial need.