When Doug Ereon reflects on his journey from Ludington to a successful career in oil and gas, he credits much of his success to the financial awards that made his college education possible. “If it hadn’t been for scholarships, I wouldn’t have been able to go to college, which would have affected my whole life,” Doug said.
Decades later, Doug is returning the favor by establishing a scholarship fund in honor of his parents, Jack and Jean Ereon, who instilled in their children a belief in the power of education. Through the Community Foundation for Mason County, Doug is creating a lasting legacy to help future generations of local students pursue their dreams, just as his parents encouraged him to do.
Jack and Jean Ereon were devoted community members and parents. Jack, a city councilman and founding member of Ludington’s harbor development, played a key role in creating Ludington’s marina, a landmark that still bears his name on a commemorative plaque. “My dad would do anything he could for Ludington,” Doug said. Jean, a traditional homemaker, supported her children’s education in every way, encouraging all of them to pursue a higher education despite tight finances.
As one of the first in his family to attend college, Doug’s education was made possible by financial support, including the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, a Pell Grant, and other awards. These resources, combined with his dedication, allowed him to attend Grand Valley State University, where he formed lifelong friendships and unlocked opportunities.
“Education opened doors for me that I could never have imagined,” Doug said. One of those doors led to a round-the-world trip that took him from Paris to Mumbai, Southeast Asia, and back to the United States. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have these experiences, and it all began with the opportunity to attend college,” he said.
One of Doug’s sisters, Deborah, received scholarships that helped her graduate from the West Shore Community College nursing program. A second sister, Teresa, also benefited from scholarships, receiving the Margaret M. Lederle Ludington Area School District Scholarship through the Community Foundation. The generous award supported her education from undergraduate through law school.
Inspired by the Lederle scholarship model, Doug designed the Jack and Jean Ereon Scholarship Fund to provide ongoing support for students throughout their college years. “Most scholarships are only available for the freshman year, but we wanted to create something that would continue to help students each year they’re in school,” Doug said. This structure will help students complete their degrees without the pressure of mounting debt, a goal close to Doug’s heart.
The Jack and Jean Ereon Scholarship Fund will emphasize both academic achievement and financial need so that local students who work hard but lack resources will have the chance to pursue a higher education. Doug’s four nephews will administer the fund, strengthening family ties while honoring their grandparents’ legacy. “This will give them a reason to work together,” Doug said.
Although Doug lives in Houston, he chose to establish the scholarship fund through the Community Foundation for Mason County to give back locally. “Giving a scholarship in Houston might impact an individual, but supporting students in Ludington is more personal. This is where my roots are,” Doug stated. Partnering with the Community Foundation allows the Ereon family to create a lasting difference in their hometown.
Doug hopes the Jack and Jean Ereon Scholarship Fund will provide Mason County students with the same sense of possibility he felt when he received his scholarships. “I hope this allows them to open doors that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise,” he said.
Through the scholarship fund, Doug continues his parents’ belief in education and community, ensuring that their impact will live on for generations to come.