June 8, 2022
SVSU inducts student leaders into 24th class of Roberts Fellows
A diverse 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 encourages outstanding SVSU students to look inward as they focus on achieving ambitious personal and professional goals, but also to look outward to act upon their responsibilities as local and global citizens,” said Julie Foss, SVSU professor of modern foreign languages and chair of the Roberts Fellowship program.
Throughout the 2022-2023 academic year, the 10 Roberts Fellows students selected for the 24th 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.
“We’re very proud of the work the 23rd class has done in all these areas this year. The 24th class includes students of exceptional promise, and we look forward to seeing what they are able to accomplish next year.”
Members of the 24th Roberts Fellows cohort are:
- Zakaria Abden, a computer information systems major from Bangladesh
- Brooke Clauss, a neuroscience major from Vassar
- Kelsey Davis, a biology major from Clio
- Todd Graham, a psychology and creative writing major from Alpena
- Tyler Heckroth, a business management major from Sebewaing
- Emily Jaremba, a biochemistry major from Saginaw
- Pamela Madaha, an international studies and geography student from Tanzania
- Anna Peruski, a nursing major from Oxford
- Katelyn Taylor, a rehabilitation medicine major from Saginaw
- Elisabeth Wollenzin, a nursing major from St. Clair Shores
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 academic, professional and service opportunities that help students develop leadership skills.
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.