Ernest E. Paulick

Mr. Paulick has been a community leader in the Thumb Area of Michigan for many years. Among his past and present community affiliations are: Bad Axe Rotary (former president), Thumb Innovative Communities, Grindstone Port Hope Sportsman’s Club, SVSU Foundation Board of Directors, SVSU Board of Fellows (former chairman), SVSU Annual Fund Committee. Mr. Paulick received the Distinguished Service Medallion in 1995, SVSU’s highest honor for community service. Mr. Paulick is a retired Vice President of Signature Bank, and a past Credit Manager for Northstar Bank.

Mr. Paulick established two scholarship funds at SVSU: one honoring Celtic traditions and bagpipe music, and one in memory of his mother, Elizabeth D. Paulick.

Of Scottish ancestry, Mr. Paulick is an active supporter of Celtic traditions and heritage, including bagpipe music. He is an accomplished “piper” and has played before many audiences at the University and in his community. Believing that traditions and diversity are important ingredients of the university experience, he created the endowment fund supporting this scholarship in 2000 to encourage the continuation of the Celtic heritage of bagpipe music and to foster an SVSU tradition.

Elizabeth D. Paulick was a businesswoman in the Detroit Metropolitan area. After the untimely death of her husband, Franz, in 1951, she became the head of the household, learned how to drive, and joined the workforce. She also raised two young children. Her daughter, Margaret Watson, and her son, Ernest Paulick, established this scholarship to honor their mother.

Mrs. Paulick became a successful businesswoman and a leader in her community. She was active in scouting with both her daughter and son, and was involved with the local Parent Teacher Organization. In 1953, she went to work for a local vendor in the auto industry; in 1973, she was named Businesswoman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association. Mrs. Paulick was active in the ABWA to provide scholarships for deserving young women.

The goal of the scholarship fund, established in 2002, is to encourage students in their pursuit of degrees in Business at Saginaw Valley State University. The donors are hopeful that when it becomes financially possible someday, the recipients will consider giving a helping hand to a deserving young person.