Local Businessman is a Mentor for the Ages
The Dallas Community College District (DCCD) recently honored Highland Park resident Mike Myers for a quarter century of service. The local businessman has been providing scholarships to worthy students since 1990 through the LeCroy Scholarship Program. Many of those recipients returned for the evening to recognize a man they credit with changing their lives. Myers said he never saw it coming.
“I was surprised,” Myers said. “Even my wife kept it a secret too.”
Myers founded the scholarship initiative with his friend and mentor, former school chancellor Dr. R. Jan LeCroy. According to a release from DCCD Foundation, the program has helped more than 200 students pay for college.
The program covers the costs of tuition and books for up to four semesters. Myers says he gets to know recipients, and takes a vested interest in their lives. He hosts annual get-togethers and tries to stay in touch with as many of them as possible.
According to Myers, the program looks for students who demonstrate both scholarship and leadership. Candidates must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. They must also be involved in other activities at school such as band or athletics.
Myers says he is still inspired by his dear friend, LeCroy, and plans to continue leading the namesake program for as long as he can.
During his senior year in high school, Kevin Cross contracted mononucleosis, and decided to stay home and go to Richland College. According to Cross, his father convinced him to apply for a scholarship. The decision changed his life.Cross was one of the first students to receive a LeCroy scholarship in 1990.
“When I think of Mike Myers, I think of him as an angel in my life,” Cross said.
After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Cross pursued a master’s in business administration. However, part of him longed to coach soccer. Cross said Myers encouraged him to follow his heart. “It was the best advice anyone has ever given me,” Cross said.
Today, Cross is the head women’s soccer coach at the University of Texas at El Paso. During his tenure, the team has been one of the most consistent winners in Conference USA. When they play in Dallas, Myers can usually be found in the stands.
Myers chooses candidates to mentor with Nancy LeCroy, who assumed her husband’s role after he died in 2013. Nancy continues to be amazed at how much time Myers dedicates to the program. “Of course I’m a big fan of Mike’s,” LeCroy said. “He has continued to take a personal interest in the scholars. I’ve always thought that was a very special element of the program.”
Myers says he has thoroughly enjoyed working with the students. He considers around 25 to 30 candidates each year before settling on around eight to ten recipients. “I’m so blessed to call Mike Myers a friend and so thankful for all he has done for me,” Cross said.
Myers considers himself blessed, too. “I’ve been the winner here getting to know all of these kids,” said Myers. “It’s just been a real rewarding experience to be involved with outstanding young people.”
The deadline for scholarship applications was April 1. Myers and LeCroy are currently reviewing candidates, and will announce the winners at a later date.
