Otto, Westendorf, and Wilhite Families

The Otto, Westendorf, and Wilhite families actively farmed in Zilwaukee (located on N. Westervelt Street) and Kochville (Venoy Road) Townships from the late 1800s through the 1980s. While early generations had limited opportunity for formal education beyond middle school, each progressive generation was encouraged to pursue a higher level of academic achievement. Ultimately, numerous family offspring attended and/or graduated from state colleges and universities in Michigan, including SVSU.

Over the years, a portion of the families’ collective resources from the sale of the farms has been dedicated toward the establishment of an agricultural endowment at SVSU. In an effort to continue and support interest in the Agriculture Sciences, the families have established the Otto, Westendorf and Wilhite Endowed Agricultural Scholarship.