Jane Karau and Family and Friends

Coming from a family of educators, Karen Karau-Collins appreciated the value of higher education. While trying to match her interests in the arts with a career and working a full-time job, the quality and affordability of Monroe County Community College played a major role in her life. MCCC helped Karen find a path that led to a successful and satisfying career as a computer systems analyst. She graduated from MCCC with her Associate of Commerce degree in 1982 and went on to a very successful career as a systems analyst for the Detroit Edison Fermi 2 Plant in Newport.

“Her love of education and the computer science field, coupled with her strong feelings toward Monroe and the community college, made the establishment of this scholarship a logical way to remember her,” said Jane Karau, her mother. “I know she would be very pleased this scholarship was established to help women pursue careers in her chosen field (computer science).”

Ms. Karau-Collins chose the computer science field because she saw the need for creativity and leadership. During her life, her community leadership included being involved as a Help-Line counselor, a board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Monroe, a member of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Council, and an organizer of American Red Cross blood drives.

In recognition of her success in the computer science field and to honor her strong feelings toward Monroe County Community College, her parents established this scholarship to assist other females pursuing a degree in computer science at MCCC.