Each year, the MMS offers 2 types of scholarships. One is the Marek scholarship, which enables one of our members to attend a North American Mycological Association (NAMA) foray for the first time. The other provides funds for graduate students studying mycology. We are now accepting applications for both of these scholarship opportunities.
The Marek Turowski Memorial Scholarship
In 2017, the MN Mycological Society and NAMA lost one of its most dedicated and beloved members, Marek Turowski. We mourn not only the loss of Marek’s great knowledge, which he willingly shared with others, but also his spirit, and love of the camaraderie of mushroom hunting (and eating)!
During his courageous battle with cancer, one of Marek’s goals was to attend the annual NAMA Foray, held in Cable, Wisconsin, that year. Unfortunately, he was not able to fulfill that wish. We aim to both encourage and inspire members of the Minnesota Mycological Society (MMS) to enjoy mushrooms and the international community of educators and enthusiasts by offering them a chance to participate in the annual foray through a scholarship. Each year, this scholarship will enable one member of MMS to attend the NAMA annual foray in Marek’s honor.
Scholarship recipients will receive
- One-year membership to the North American Mycological Association.
- Priority registration for the NAMA Annual Foray. Visit: namyco.org/annual-foray/ for
more information. - Registration fee – including all lectures and field trips, plus room (double occupancy) and
board.*
*Does not include travel to and from the foray’s location from the recipient’s home.
Applicants must be a current MMS member for more than one year, and have not attended a NAMA foray in the past. Please submit an essay of 800-1000 words, describing how attending the NAMA Annual foray will enhance your knowledge, understanding, and experience of mushrooms and the greater mycological community. The winning essay will be shared in the MMS newsletter, and the winner will be responsible for sharing a recap of their experience after the foray by way of a brief presentation at an MMS meeting and an article in the newsletter.
To apply for the scholarship
- Write a short essay. Tell us about your involvement with MMS. What are your favorite activities? Why do you enjoy learning about mushrooms? How would attending the annual foray be an important part of continuing that education?
- Please include your full name, mailing address, and email address on the essay.
- Scholarship applications should be emailed to scholarships@minnesotamushrooms.org. Questions can be sent to the same email address.
The deadline for the Marek Turowski scholarship application is Wednesday April 1st, 2026.
Some considerations for judging applications
- Member involvement in activities you have participated in with the MMS.
- Special consideration will be given to those who have volunteered for the MMS (not a requirement).
- How will your experience at the foray benefit you and the greater MMS community in the future?
James Swanson & Doris Johannes Memorial Graduate Student Scholarships
The Minnesota Mycological Society (MMS) is continuing our scholarship program for University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin students. Students currently enrolled in graduate-level studies with a strong connection to mycology may apply.
The amount of an individual scholarship is $1250. $1000 will be paid upon award of the scholarship, and $250 after completion of the required presentation and newsletter article. Please fill out the scholarship application and provide all the requested information, including two references. One or more scholarships will be awarded by April 2026. The deadline for the Graduate scholarship application is Sunday, March 1, 2026.