The MWE Scholarship Fund was established by Dr. Michael W. Emmerich in 2015.
Dr. Emmerich was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota and moved with his parents to Carrington, North Dakota as a small boy. After graduation from High School in Carrington, Michael attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. From there, he entered Optometry School at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. He graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1969, and moved back to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Dr. Emmerich, along with Dr. Calvin Rustad, Dr. Loren Hendrickson and Dr. Quentin Haroldson established a new eye clinic on the south end of Grand Forks next to the Cinema Theatre, (what is now the WDAZ building). They named the eye clinic, Valley Vision Clinic. The Clinic opened its doors on April 1, 1970..
Mike Emmerich
Dr. Emmerich practiced Optometry at Valley Vision Clinic from April 1, 1970 until he retired on April 21, 2015. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and died on June 17th, 2015. In his will, Dr. Emmerich established the MWE Scholarship Fund. This fund is designated to provide scholarship funding for college for financially needy students from Grand Forks and Carrington North Dakota. Dr. Emmerich has left us a remarkable gift. He believed that obtaining a post graduate education was of utmost importance, whether it be an accountant, doctor, plumber, electrician, cosmetologist, etc. He believed that everyone should have the ability to develop some skill in order that they may be financially independent. What a legacy to leave behind. Truly, a gift, from someone who never had a family of his own.
After you have submitted your application before the February 1 deadline, you will receive an email from us indicating we have received your application. We will notify applicants of their status on or before March 15.
Trustees
Select a trustee to view their biography
Lyle Hall
Trustee
Mark Sanford
Trustee
Bruce Kopp
Trustee
Derrick Johnson
Financial Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Who do I contact if I have questions?
A:
Contact your school counselor.
Lyle Hall
Trustee
Lyle A. Hall, O.D. is president of the MWE Scholarship Fund. He practices optometry at Valley Vision Clinic in Grand Forks, ND with Dr. Gregory Otto, Dr. Avery Jones, Dr. David Biberdorf, Dr. David Solseng, Dr. Jason Schaff, and Dr. Duane Rutz. Dr. Hall was a partner of Dr. Michael W. Emmerich for 36 years. Dr. Hall is currently the president of Valley Vision Clinic. He has served as president of the North Dakota Optometric Association and as a board member to the North Dakota State Board of Optometry. Lyle served on the Grand Forks Public School Board for 15 years and 12 years on the Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission. Dr. Hall was born in Minot, North Dakota and graduated from the University of North Dakota where he met his wife Susan M. Strinden of Williston, North Dakota. They have six adult children and nine grand children.
Mark Sanford
Trustee
Mark Sanford enjoyed a lengthy career in the education field. He served as the Superintendent of the Grand Forks and Grand Forks Air Base School Districts. Prior to his tenure in Grand Forks he enjoyed the opportunity to work in the Minot and Stanley districts. He holds a bachelor's degree with majors in mathematics and history, a master's degree in School Administration, and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Mark currently serves as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives where his committee assignments include Appropriations plus Chair of the Interim Higher Education Committee.
Mark has been a member of several foundation boards including the ELCA Eastern Synod Foundation . He also was a member of the North Dakota State Investment Board for fifteen years where he was involved with oversight of the investment of retirement funds for state employees, state educators, and several state agencies.
Mark is excited about the vision and potential of this foundation. Dr Emmerich wanted to make higher education opportunities affordable for as many as possible, This bold vision formed the basis of his commitment to create this foundation. In Mark's words, "What an honor to work with this board in support of Dr. Emmerich' s vision".
Bruce Kopp, CPA,CMA
Trustee
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Born in Bismarck, ND. One of six children, all of whom graduated from the University Of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND. I received my BSBA in Business Management with a concentration in accounting and subsequently passed the uniform certified public accounting exam and the certified management accounting exam. I have been involved in business and company finance for all of my professional career. My present position is serving as Vice President and CFO for Ideal Aerosmith, Inc. The Company designs and engineer's motion test equipment and total test solutions with offices in Grand Forks, ND, Phoenix, AZ, Belmont, CA and Pittsburgh, PA. Industries served include oil and natural gas exploration, aerospace, unmanned vehicles, various government agencies in the United States as well as foreign customers. I am married and have one daughter.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
North Dakota State Board of Accountancy -
Certified Public Accountant, Certificate Number 2026
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
North Dakota Society of Certified Public Accountants
Institute of Certified Management Accountants Certified Management Accountant, Certificate Number 13489
CIVIC & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:
Grand Forks Public School District # 1 -
Past School Board Member & President of the Board
United Way of Greater Grand Forks -
Past Board member and Chairman of the Board
Prairie Harvest Human Services -
Past Board Member
Northern Lights Council - Boy Scouts of America -
Past Board Member
North Dakota Museum of Art -
Past Board Member and Board President
Derrick Johnson
Financial Advisor
Derrick Johnson has been providing financial advice to clients for over 25 years. He founded Johnson Wealth Management, LLC which is the only fee-only financial planning firm in our region. He is a Certified Financial Planner practitioner and is a member of the Financial Planning Association. Derrick graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
His focus is on helping clients achieve their life goals. He believes that having a comprehensive plan is the first step toward success. Derrick has expertise in the area of financial, investment and charitable planning. This experience enables him to evaluate each client's needs and goals and then formulate a personalized strategy to achieve those financial objectives. Through consistent effort and a reputation for outstanding service, he has built a solid base of satisfied clients.
Derrick grew up in Grand Forks and is an active member of his community. He is married to Tara Johnson. He enjoys reading and is an avid golfer.
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