February 3, 2017
SVSU business students selected for global business leadership
Eleven Saginaw Valley State University students passionate about global business will receive leadership development and travel abroad after being selected for the 5th class of SVSU’s Vitito Global Leadership Institute.
Vitito Fellows are selected on the basis of academic ability, character, leadership experience or potential for leadership, and a community-minded commitment to learning and service.
During the 18-month program, SVSU business students learn the importance of leadership to organizational success in a global context, and develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that distinguish great leaders. The class also travels internationally during the final semester of the program; past destinations have included the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Portugal.
Nine students from Michigan and two from abroad have been selected to begin their Vitito Fellowship during 2017 winter semester. They are:
• Aranya Biswas, an economics major from the nation of Bangladesh
• Anthony Bodeis, an accounting major from Mayville
• Kara Brunk, an accounting major from Southfield
• Bradford Duke, a management major from Coldwater
• Bijesh Gyawali, a finance major from the nation of Nepal
• Mitchell Kennedy, an accounting major from Bad Axe
• Chase Martin, a finance major from Applegate
• Carter Mazur, a management major from Saginaw
• Lauren Miller, a marketing and management dual major from Byron
• Tyler Newell, an international business and supply chain management double major from Kingsley
• Charity Warren, a management major from Pinconning
The 11 selected students each wrote an essay explaining their personal and professional goals, as well as their performance and potential as a leader. To be eligible, students in SVSU’s College of Business and Management must have completed at least 45 credits to apply the program. The candidates must commit to three consecutive semesters of course work, co-curricular activities, and global travel experience in order to be admitted.
The program is named in honor of Bob and Bobbi Vitito, who have donated generously to support and empower SVSU students through leadership and service opportunities, and study abroad experiences. Bob served as chair of SVSU’s Board of Control and Foundation Board of Directors; professionally he served as president and CEO of Citizens Banking Corporation (now part of Huntington Bank). Bobbi enjoyed a distinguished teaching career in Saginaw schools. Their exceptional dedication to developing the next generation of leaders culminated in the establishment of the Vitito Global Leadership Institute in 2013; it is supported through a $2 million endowment.