The lasting legacy of a Mordenite carries on with the presentation of annual scholarships through the Michael Mutcheson Memorial Foundation.
The 2025 Michael Mutcheson Memorial Scholarship Fund scholarships were recently presented to Morden Collegiate graduates Easton Hildebrand and Logan Lesser.
“I am extremely grateful … receiving this scholarship means a lot to me, as it will assist me in my goal to pursue a degree in secondary education as well as my dream to play college baseball at Northeast Iowa Community College,” said Lesser. “I would like to thank the scholarship committee and Mutcheson family for selecting me for this award.”
“Out of all the scholarships I applied for, this was the most personal, as my uncles received this scholarship when they were my age,” noted Hildebrand. “I also had the privilege of being trained by Mike along with Ray Mutcheson when I was younger. I feel extremely honoured and blessed to use this towards furthering my education and playing hockey in Ontario.”
The $3,000 awards are presented annually in memory of Mutcheson, an MCI alumnus whose remarkable life continues to inspire.
Mutcheson went on to represent Hockey Canada at the European university tournament—leading the team in scoring—then signed with the Detroit Red Wings. He later rose to become vice president of AIG Insurance. He passed away at age 42, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and friendship.
In his memory, friends and family established the Michael Mutcheson Memorial Foundation, which has since donated over $1 million to children’s charities across Canada, including $50,000 to the Boundary Trails Health Centre neonatal unit. The foundation has also awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to students who, like Mutcheson, demonstrate grit, promise and heart.
“Being able to support youth in pursuing their dreams through Michael’s legacy has been a meaningful part of our family’s healing journey after the loss of our beloved brother,” said Ray Mutcheson. “The letters we receive from recipients, sharing how the scholarship has helped them work toward their goals, have been deeply moving and cathartic.
“We are incredibly grateful to continue honouring Michael’s memory more than 30 years after his passing by helping young people take steps toward bright and promising futures.”
At this year’s Morden Collegiate graduation ceremony, Ray Mutcheson addressed the class of 2025 and offered a heartfelt message of encouragement, particularly for students who may not have achieved top academic standing.
“Michael’s story proves that success is not measured by grades alone,” he said. “To all the graduates … there are many paths to greatness. Your story is just beginning.”
