Miriam and Ellis Perlman donate $954K in support of UM-Flint's Master of Public Administration program

The Master of Public Administration program at the University of Michigan-Flint has received a planned gift from one of the program's creators, Ellis Perlman. 

Perlman joined the faculty at UM-Flint in 1967 and was a devoted supporter of the development of many academic programs on campus, with a special focus on educating public service professionals. After his retirement in 2002, he pledged $250,000 to create a scholarship for the MPA program. When the estate was settled at the time of his recent death, the planned gift had grown to $954,000.

Designated as a "quasi-endowment," the fund will grow 4.5% annually, or by roughly $42K, to support five awards:

• Mary and Albert Perlman Award
• Rose and Harry Corson Award
• Mark Steven Perlman Award for Distinguished Public Service
• Carl R. Vann and James D. Ananich Award for Community Service 
• Al Lenzner Award 

"This gift illustrates the impact of philanthropy and the power of connection. It is an example of how those who have had meaningful, life-changing experiences through their studies or their careers at UM-Flint feel called to make life-changing learning accessible to more students today," said Ted Rippey, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. "I am excited about these scholarships, for the MPA program, for the students we will be able to welcome and support, and for the lasting community impact that will grow as the circle of Perlman, Corson, Ananich, and Lenzner Scholars expands through the years."

All awardees must maintain a 3.0 GPA, have been involved in a high number of scholarly activities or community achievements and demonstrate a desire to work in the public sector. Currently, each award is valued at approximately $8,000 per year.

"These awards provide meaningful support for our MPA students, helping to reduce financial stress so they can focus on building the skills to lead in public service," said Marisa Eynon-Ezop, CASE program manager and MPA advisor. "We're excited about the difference this will make in their academic and professional journeys."

"It is so validating to be recognized for the work I've done so far, and to have the financial support to dedicate myself more fully to the work yet to be completed," said Jason Lesiewicz, a Flint native who is the 2025-26 Rose and Harry Corson Scholar. Lesiewicz has completed two congressional internships with Dan Kildee and Gary Peters, participated in the 2025 UM-Flint Policy Pitch Contest, and earned a 4.0 GPA during his first year in the MPA program. "This scholarship is especially meaningful as I envision a new career in the public sector where the satisfaction of being able to make a positive difference in the lives of my fellow citizens is part of the total compensation package."

The 2025-26 Mary and Albert Perlman Scholar, Natalie Minzey, also from Flint, reflected on the significance of this award.

"It means not worrying about my education in a time of uncertainty for me. Dedicating my life to public service has its challenges, especially in the current political climate. With this scholarship, I will be able to focus on my education and my community," Minzey said. "Earning my Master of Public Administration has allowed me to expand my view on how to help my community and the larger public. Learning the challenges I will face in the future and having the tools to overcome them will make a significant difference in the community I serve. The ability to prioritize my education with the Perlman Scholarship means my community and the public will be better off."

Another Flint native, SaRah Hamilton, was named the 2025-26 Al Lenzner Scholar. "The Miriam and Ellis Perlman Fund award means more to me than just financial assistance; it gives me breathing room in a season of my life where I've been stretched thin," she said. "This award helps alleviate some of that pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies. This award will be a reminder of the work I'm doing and why the path I'm on matters. It allows me to show up as my best self in the classroom and in my community, dedicating my energy to the reason I'm here: preparing to create policies and programs that expand access and equity for people who are too often left out of the conversation."

Some of the awards have special criteria as defined by the Perlmans in their gift documentation. The Carl R. Vann and James D. Anananich Community Service Award is given to an individual in recognition of significant amounts of community service. Mary-Katherine Curnow of Grand Blanc was named the 2025-26 scholar. "This award not only supports me in continuing my education, but allows me to focus more fully on my studies without the additional stress of balancing financial needs with a commitment to scholarship," she said. "I am truly honored and grateful to carry this support forward as a dedicated employee of a local nonprofit, a passionate community member, and a proud UM-Flint student."

Another award with special considerations is the Mark Steven Perlman Award for Distinguished Public Service, presented to an individual who demonstrates distinguished service in a professional field encompassed by the MPA program. The 2025-26 awardee, Abigail Wright-Geddes from East Lansing, shared how receiving the award further motivates her. "This award means a lot to me – it not only helps me as I work toward my MPA at UM-Flint, but it also motivates me to keep pushing forward in my career in public service. The fund will help tremendously with expenses that come up between working, being a mom to two little boys, and attending school," she said. "Through my work with the Red Cross and in the community, I have seen just how much of a difference dedicated service can make in people's lives. Receiving this recognition encourages me to keep growing as a leader and to carry on Professor Perlman's legacy of serving others."

The majority of UM-Flint MPA graduates remain in Michigan, making a positive impact on communities throughout the state.

"We are and will forever be grateful to the Perlmans for this wonderful gift. Dr. Perlman spent his life's work preparing public service professionals for the world ahead of them, and our MPA program's graduates are a testament to that great work," said Kimberly Saks, associate professor of political science and the program's director. "This gift will help continue his life's work by providing the resources for more students to have access to a high-quality public service education. There is no legacy more befitting an educator than one where students continue to benefit from his generosity and commitment to public service."

For more information and details on how to apply for the 2026-27 cycle, please visit the scholarship's web page.