About Us
The Michelle Horback Palgut Memorial Foundation was established as a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation was initiated by her parents, Michael and Gail Horback; her husband, Jonathan Palgut; and her closest friend, Jenny Pawlowski, to carry on her ideals of promoting education and giving back to the community. The people who loved her most realized that, if the tables were turned, Michelle would have ensured their voices were still heard by creating a way to continue their story and purpose.
Michelle was a December 2001 graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. Upon her graduation from MSU she went on to receive her Masters in Business Administration and Certified Public Accounting degrees. She was very dedicated to education as was demonstrated by her mentoring of several co-workers. Michelle always encouraged others to realize the importance of education and achieve their potential. Concurring with her beliefs, the primary goal of the foundation is to raise funds, which will be donated to Michigan State University to create an endowment for an annual scholarship in Michelle’s name. The scholarship will be awarded to qualifying Michigan State University students enrolled as accounting majors in the Eli Broad College of Business. Once the endowment is funded, the foundation will continue to raise donations in Michelle’s name.
Michelle was also a strong advocate for animal rights and a greener planet.