Jonah Hurtado-Macias gives remarks as one of two graduating seniors
at the Battle Creek Pipeline Scholars event.
Graduating senior Dai'Mion Banks crosses the stage at the Battle
Creek Pipeline Scholars April 13 in the Kirkhof Center.
President Philomena V. Mantella talks with Thompson Foundation
scholarship recipients at an April 19 celebratory event in the Kirkhof Center.
Photo Credit:
Erik Holladay-McCann
Since its inception in 2008, the Thompson Scholars program has
provided financial assistance to more than 1,100 students.
Photo Credit:
Erik Holladay-McCann
Graduating students and participants from two scholarship programs,
Thompson Scholars and Battle Creek Pipeline Scholars, were recognized
at separate celebratory events.
Battle Creek Pipeline Scholars Supporters of the Battle
Creek Pipeline Scholars program celebrated its first two
graduating students April 13 in the Kirkhof Center.
Jonah Hurtado-Macias and Dai'Mion Banks were among the first cohort
of pipeline students to enroll at Grand Valley in 2020. The scholars
program was among the efforts from a five-year partnership with Battle
Creek Public Schools and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Hurtado-Macias spoke to the audience about his journey as a
first-generation student from a Mexican American household. He will
earn a bachelor's degree in international business and marketing.
"None of my achievements would have been possible without the
transformative opportunity provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
through the Pipeline Scholarship program," he said. "This
scholarship has not only alleviated the financial burdens of pursuing
higher education but has also served as a beacon of hope and
possibility for me and those around me."
Attendees at the celebration learned that the Pipeline Scholars
program has a 93% retention rate.
Peer mentors received pins to recognize their support of incoming
students in the program. Provost Fatma Mili and Kara Van Dam, chief
executive of OMNI, also gave remarks.
Thompson Scholars Thompson Foundation trustees and staff members attended the April
19 event in the Kirkhof Center. Bob and Ellen Thompson established
their initial Grand Valley scholarship in 2008. Since then, more than
1,100 students have received scholarships through one of several Thompson
Foundation programs.
Student speaker Johanna Delaney, who will earn a bachelor's degree in
business administration and marketing, said receiving a Thompson
Foundation scholarship "paved the way for her future."
Delaney said she was raised by her mother who worked three jobs.
"I learned the value of hard work and perseverance from
her," Delaney said. "Her support and the support of Bob and
Ellen Thompson have paved the way for my future and lifted the weight
of a financial burden off my shoulders."
President Philomena V. Mantella told the students in the audience
they have a responsibility to carry on as recipients of this scholarship.
"I ask you to think about your story," Mantella said.
"What's the story you want to write? And I ask you to keep
gratitude in your heart and keep giving back to the next
generation."
Three French professors received an award from the Reacting Consortium; their prize money will launch a November conference for high school and college instructors to invigorate their classrooms.
October 1, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 3)
Article by
Peg West