This endowed scholarship is given by Timothy, Colleen, Matthew, Leah, and Melissa Dykstra to the Michigan State University College of Education. The Dykstra family draws upon MSU from the past, present, and future. In 1968, Dr. James W. Perry, Colleen’s father, began the lineage of MSU graduates when he received his doctorate degree in education. Timothy and Colleen earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and education, respectively, from MSU in 1976. Their son, Matthew, will be graduating in Spring of 2005, with a degree in human resources. Leah, their daughter, is currently working toward her degree in special education at Michigan State and plans to attain her bachelor’s in 2007. Daughter, Melissa, a high school senior, has recently been accepted as a future Spartan for Fall of 2005 and says, only half jokingly, that she dreams in green and white.
Michigan State University has given much to our family and we would like to give back by establishing this scholarship fund to advance the research and awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominately Inattentive Type, commonly referred to as ADHD-I. At this time, it is a relatively little known neurological ailment which often goes undiagnosed and therefore, untreated. If this “quiet” and “camouflaged” disorder is recognized early on, then treatment for it can head off a multitude of problems in the future.
The Dykstra Family Research Endowment in Education has been established to, ultimately, provide teachers with the knowledge to help identify those children who may suffer from ADHD-Inattentive Type. The Dykstras believe that the classroom teacher can play a key role in making this happen and help children who suffer from this disorder grow into balanced and successful adults.