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On July 19th, 2023, the Terre Haute community lost a role model so many had the privilege of having in their life. Mike was born in Paris, Illinois on September 23, 1965. After graduating from Paris High School, he attended Indiana State University where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from
ISU in 1986, Mike began employment at Gibault School for Boys, known today as Gibault Children’s Services.
While at Gibault, Mike worked in various positions. Mike may have had the greatest impact on Gibault youth during his time as Recreation Supervisor. Mike trained and supervised youth workers and implemented daily recreation activities for as many as 135 youth in any given day. Mike was respected by the Gibault boys in his recreation program because he brought positive energy and enthusiasm every day; feelings often unfamiliar to the students. The structure Mike provided made the boys feel safe. He instilled in them a sense of what it means to have uplifting relationships in their life, making the students' residency experience an integral part of their progression through life.
One of Mike’s colleagues at Gibault in the mid 1990’s was Dan Dayhuff. Dan began leading the charge in creating a scholarship fund for current and past students who attended Gibault’s Holy Cross High School. Sadly, during the beginning stages of the scholarship's development, Mike passed away. In conversation with Mike's relatives, the unanimous decision was made to build the scholarship to ensure Mike's legacy of preparing students for a better way of life, lives on.
The Michael J. Buske Memorial Scholarship will support students pursuing a post-secondary credential at Ivy Tech Community College who earned their high school diploma during or after participation in a residency and/or education program at Gibault. Please join Mike's friends and family in creating this opportunity for Mike's legacy to live on through support of Gibault alumni.
Thank you for your contribution!
