The Diane M. DiPonio Memorial Scholarship was established for the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University by Angelo and Margaret DiPonio in memory of their daughter. It supports undergraduate students whose commitment to law enforcement and public service parallel Diane’s.
The scholarship is an endowment that provides support and encouragement to students majoring in criminal justice. Awards are made annually. In keeping with the conditions of the scholarship, the following criteria determine the recipients:
- Students are eligible for this award after completing a minimum of two years of study and who are entering into their third year.
- The recipient must possess a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- The recipient must possess the capacity, motivation, and initiative to realize educational and professional goals.
- The recipient must have a demonstrable interest in a law enforcement career on the local, state or federal levels.
- To the extent permissible by law, and in memory of DiPonio, the school will afford preference to qualified women when awarding the scholarship.
If satisfactory academic progress and performance are evident after the first year, the scholarship may be renewed for a second year.
Applications for the Diane M. DiPonio Memorial Scholarship must be received by the School of Criminal Justice by the last Friday in February. A selection committee will recommend a recipient to the director of the School of Criminal Justice. The director will notify the recipient in writing.
Instructions for applying:
Complete and submit the scholarship application (PLEASE NOTE: Applications should only be submitted between December 1st through the last Friday in February). Submit with a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial printout from StuInfo is recommended). Submit an updated resume. Submit a Letter of Recommendation*. Submit a personal letter explaining why you chose the criminal justice field and the career you wish to pursue after graduation.
*The Letter of Recommendation should be from a Professor or Instructor, from an employment supervisor, or someone who is not related to you or who is not a close friend.
In Memoriam
Diane M. DiPonio, an outstanding detective with the Ann Arbor, Michigan, Police Department died on August 23, 1985. She fell victim to a rare respiratory disease, against which she fought valiantly while tending to her professional responsibilities. For seven years after her initial diagnosis in 1978, she reported to work and tackled the most difficult investigations facing her department.
Born in Detroit and raised in Salem Township, Michigan, DiPonio was a champion horse trainer and exhibitor in her youth. As a member of the Washtenaw County 4-H Program, she participated in shows throughout the state and nation. She belonged to the American Quarter Horse and Paint Horse associations and won frequent championships in the western riding, pleasure and halter classes.
DiPonio attended MSU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1967. She subsequently pursued a master’s in guidance and counseling at Eastern Michigan University. After completing school, she taught home economics in Livonia. Although satisfied with teaching, she sought more extensive public contact; she longed to serve people in general, especially the victimized and exploited.
In 1970, DiPonio applied for and won a position with the Ann Arbor Police Department. She excelled, quickly becoming responsible for investigating major crimes like homicide, fraud and rape.
DiPonio, was a vital person who inspired her colleagues, served her constituency with devotion and conducted herself with dignity. She was giving, unselfish, professional and humane. She is greatly missed by all those who knew her and whose lives she touched.