Courtesy Photo Christian Stevens, of Alpena, is seen at one of the dog-sled races in which he’s competed in this photo provided by the Muter Outdoor Fund.

The John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship, launched in 2018, recognizes college undergraduateswho are committed to engaging new audiences and new generations with Michigan’s natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. The program was established in memory of the late John Muter, an avid Michigan sportsman, who passed away in 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

The three winners were selected from a highly-qualified pool of 27 applicants, representing 10 Michigan colleges and universities.

Recipients were selected for their clear passion for Michigan and its outdoor opportunities as well as their demonstrated commitment of introducing others to those opportunities, such as fishing, hunting, camping, boating and wildlife watching.

Each winner received a $1,000 scholarship to support their 2020-2021academic expenses.

Among the winners was Christian Stevens, of Alpena, a third-year student at Michigan Tech and is double-majoring in Forestry and Wildlife Ecology & Management.

He helped establish the university’s Mushing Club, a student organization that inspires hard work and dedication through the sport of sleddog racing.

Personally, he has mushed in four races ranging from 30 to 150 miles in length and has assisted at races throughout the Midwest.

Christian also works part-time for the Isle Royale Wolf and Moose Project, the world’s longest-running predator and prey study.

About the Muter Outdoor Fund

The Muter Outdoor Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, established to provide scholarships, grants and programs that promote outdoor recreation and celebrate Michigan’s natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. Its first program, the John A. Muter Memorial Scholarship, recognizes college undergraduates who, like John, have demonstrated their commitment to introducing new audiences to fishing, hunting, and other forms of outdoor recreation in Michigan. To learn more about the Muter Outdoor Fund and how you can support our scholarship program, visit muteroutdoorfund.org or email muteroutdoorfund@gmail.com.