On November 16, more than 200 Grand Valley students will dine with university deans, business leaders and elementary students during a unique event that celebrates achievements of minority students.
It's the second year for the event that recognizes minority students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Oliver Wilson, dean of Multicultural Affairs, said the event also provides an opportunity for students to network with area business leaders.
Also on the guest list will be 50 seventh grade students who participate in Grand Valley's Wade McCree Incentive Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Each public university in Michigan provides funds to support McCree scholarships. Named after a former U.S. solicitor general, the program enhances higher education opportunities for minority students regardless of financial need.
Participating students are from Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon. They meet regularly to discuss test-taking skills and career planning, and to attend events and perform community service projects. If requirements are met after high school graduation, Wade McCree participants are guaranteed a Grand Valley State University scholarship.
"We remain in their lives from the time they're in seventh grade," Wilson said. "This program gives us a chance to say look at how much we value academics. It's not always about athletics."
