June 30, 2021
SVSU selects 23rd class of student leaders for Roberts Fellowship
A group of Saginaw Valley State University students will fuel their passion for leadership and service through their participation in the Roberts Fellowship program.
“The Roberts Fellowship program challenges talented, hard-working students to expect more of themselves, to do more, and to be more than they originally thought possible,” said Julie Foss, SVSU associate professor of modern foreign languages and chair of the Roberts Fellowship program. “The 23rd class is another outstanding group of students who are well-equipped to grow into more effective leaders and global citizens.”
Students are selected for the Roberts Fellowship on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement, campus and/or community service, leadership potential, and potential to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives. One of SVSU’s Programs of Distinction, the program provides outstanding students with the academic, professional and service opportunities that help students develop leadership skills.
Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, the 12 Roberts Fellows students selected for the 23rd class will participate in weekly seminars, engage in a year-long service project of their own creation and interact with campus and community leaders. The program culminates in an international travel experience that exposes students to professional and cultural differences in different countries.
The Roberts Fellowship program was established through a gift from Donna Roberts, who served as corporate secretary and assistant general counsel of Dow in the 1990s.
Members of the 23rd Roberts Fellows cohort are:
Zachary Archbold of Midland, a cell biology, molecular biology and biomedical sciences student
Alivia Barres, a chemistry major from Bay City
Kacy Clark of Freeland, a communication major
Max Gervais, a computer information systems major originally from Troy
Warren Jacobs, Bay City, majoring in biochemistry
Jaden O’Berry, of Flint, a theatre major
Talia Pruiett, Bay City, majoring in social work
Skyler Steward, a biology major from Auburn
Paige Talaga of Auburn, majoring in elementary education and English language arts
Glecia Tatum, a theatre major originally from North Carolina and now residing in Saginaw
Rhossa Umutoniwase, an international student from Rwanda majoring in biochemistry
Brianna Vanderstelt of Middleville, a psychology major