Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees recently accepted a scholarship donation of $2,500 from long-time Dowagiac resident Eve Phillipson in memory of her late husband, Judge Herb Phillipson.

Herb, who was also a long-time Dowagiac resident, passed away Sept. 27, 2010, at 86.

He was city attorney, county prosecutor and Cass County probate judge for many years. Eve was a teacher with Dowagiac Union Schools.

“It was so astonishing to me that so many people contributed to Southwestern Michigan College at the funeral,” Eve said. “Herb was pleased with how much the college has grown over the years, particularly with the addition of the dorms. The college is a gateway to a better way of life for many young people in the county. It is more important now than ever that people get an education.”

The donation will be matched by the college for students who need financial assistance paying for tuition and other educational expenses. The principal of the fund will always remain in perpetuity. Subsequent contributions to this restricted fund will also be matched up to $25,000 per year.

“We appreciate contributions from individuals who believe in the importance of education and who understand how those donations can make a difference for a student to attend college,” said SMC President Dr. David Mathews. “The college matches endowments with funds to be able to award scholarships to a greater number of students.”