Spotlights

Integrative Studies Senior Wins Outstanding Student Award

April 29, 2020

Integrative Studies Senior Wins Outstanding Student Award

Domonique Palmer, an Integrative Studies and Honors student, received a Glenn A. Niemeyer Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Domonique's degree emphasis is Social Impact for Urban Youth, and her studies and co-curricular activities have focused on historically marginalized youth and college retention. She has worked as a resident assistant, an intern for Pathways to College, a TRIO mentor, and helped with orientations for Black Excellence and Laker Familia.

Domonique said transitioning to Grand Valley from her Detroit high school, University Prep Academy, was difficult but she utilized many university resources and created many professional relationships. She hopes to do the same for other first-generation students after graduation and said she will pursue taking an entry-level job focused on college access and retention at one of Michigan's public universities.

Domonique said, "Based on my four-year experience at GVSU with an under-resourced background, my advice to succeed is for people to step outside their comfort zone (learn about other cultures, put yourself in a position to be under-represented and see how much you learn), get involved (using resources, asking for help and performing leadership roles) on and off-campus and grow. The liberal education that GVSU provides is intended for us to cultivate critical thinking skills and shape our society. Therefore, this award represents my transformation greatly! Thank you, everyone, who has had a part in helping me get to this point and nominating me!”

Students selected for the Niemeyer Awards are well-rounded individuals with demonstrated excellence in both the classroom and extra-curricular activities. Recipients excel in the classroom and demonstrate a joy of learning as part of a community of scholars. Along with intellectual achievements, recipients participate in activities outside the classroom that serve to enrich their lives and the lives of others. 

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Page last modified April 29, 2020