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HOUGHTON -- Andrew Heikkinen will finish his degree in materials science at Michigan Tech this summer, an accomplishment that required a lot of hard work.  But it would have been a lot harder without a scholarship he received that was funded by Dr. Franklin St. John and his wife, Lorraine.

"It’s really eased up on my financial burden,” says Heikkinen.  “The cost of schooling is rising every year and it has greatly reduced my tuition.  I've had more time to focus on studying and having fun with my friends."

St. John's generosity has provided scholarships for more than 100 Tech students - specifically those coming from Baraga County - over the last 20 years.  The L’Anse native and his wife have now established an additional million-dollar trust as a part of the Generations of Discovery campaign that will be gifted through their estate.

"It’s great for those students because it gives them access to a great degree,” says Bill Roberts, Tech’s director of financial aid.  “For us it really helps because we can put together a great financial aid package and give them the assistance that they need."

St. John's scholarships are given to four students each year based on need and then merit.  The recipients are picked with the help of officials at their high school.