Future Fairlawn graduates will benefit from a new scholarship created in memory of the school’s 1987 valedictorian. The Erick Richard Roush Young Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his mother, Marilyn Young, within the Community Foundation of Shelby County.

According to his family, Erick had received numerous scholarships and his hope would be to pass on the financial benefit of these gifts to others pursuing a college education. Erick Young began his career as a medicinal chemist at Boehringer Ingelheim in Connecticut in the global research and development department where he led multidisciplinary teams in the creation and refinement of novel molecules for the purpose of discovering and developing new drugs. As a Director of External Innovation in Research Beyond Borders, he led initiatives focused in the identification and enablement of novel therapeutic mechanisms, modalities and disease indications. He later turned his attention to mentoring and advising young scientists as part of the company’s post-doctoral training program. He authored multiple scientific articles and patents in collaboration with industry and academic investigators.

“Erick’s was a lifetime of learning and giving in many, varied realms. He left a legacy of excellence for helping people live better lives. He was an invested questioner and explorer, dedicated to truth in all walks of life. His passion for music and song was driven by a deep and abiding faith in God and the joy of combining his gifts with those of others in music ministry,” said Marilyn Young.

Erick was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan from childhood and a gourmet chef. He delighted in hospitality and the many faces of family life. He died in November, 2021, following a heroic battle with brain cancer.

Gifts in memory of Erick Young are welcome at any time and in any amount. Checks may be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County, with Young Scholarship noted on the memo line or an attached note. An option to donate by credit card is available on the Foundation’s website at commfoun.com.

Fairlawn seniors may apply for the $2,000 scholarship until Feb. 16 by completing the Community Foundation’s high school seniors scholarship application. The online application is available at commfoun.com in the Apply for a Scholarship section.

The Community Foundation houses 90 scholarship funds providing local college and trade school bound students with more than $300,000 in one-time and renewable awards. Since 1952, the Foundation has been helping people create meaningful, lasting impact through charitable giving that targets their favorite causes and organizations. To learn more, contact the Community Foundation at (937)497-7800.