School of Social Work establishes Charlotte A. MacLean Endowed Scholarship supporting child welfare

CBM
Bill and Charlotte MacLean

The Charlotte A. MacLean Endowed Scholarship has been created by the Charlotte A. MacLean Trust with a gift of $40,500 to support future social workers with an interest in child welfare and/or adoption services.

With limited public financial support for students seeking a college degree, scholarships have become a vital part of our commitment to ensure financial hardship is not a barrier to obtaining a Wayne State Social Work degree. This generous gift will provide an opportunity for a full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate social work student with a demonstrated financial need to focus on academic work, professional development, community engagement activities and research opportunities in the heart of Detroit.

Charlotte Eagle MacLean was born in 1928 in Benton Harbor, Michigan and died just shy of her 91st birthday. MacLean earned her Masters in Social Work in 1960 and was an enthusiastic alumna of Wayne State University. MacLean initially planned to pursue law, but found her calling in social work, particularly adoption. She worked for many years advocating for domestic and international adoptions while traveling extensively connecting many children with their adoptive families. Throughout her life, she kept close relationships with many of those families.

"Charlotte was until her last days, a force of nature. When she set her vision on something, it would be accomplished. When she loved you, she was loyal to you. She bore no fools. She will be remembered for her power and strength, fierceness and determination and dedication to children around the world." quote by DL Helfer from MacLean's eulogy.

For additional information on making a gift to the School of Social Work visit our giving page or contact Joye Clark at joye.clark@wayne.edu or 313-577-2161. View more Social Work Warrior alumni and donor spotlights.

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