ABOUT THE FUND: Gifts to this fund will support student scholarships to those who have demonstrated commitment to bettering their community through social justice. Through the grassroots campaign and more long term the scholarship fund, we hope to bring the Michigan community together in advancing racial justice in education. Preference will be given to those who have completed the Wolverine Pathways Program.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND
From The University Record | October 20, 2020
Inspired by a challenge from North Central University President Scott Hagen, U-M alumnus Marchell Willian presented to President Mark Schlissel the idea to establish a George Floyd Memorial Scholarship Fund at U-M.
Willian, an attorney in Illinois, gave the lead endowment to establish the scholarship fund designed to inspire others to increase support.
“This scholarship is one way we can enhance our university’s commitment to investing in student leaders,” Schlissel said. “It also will serve as a reminder of the work to be done to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment here at U-M, while honoring the legacy of all of those, past and present, who have continually called for us to strive for a better, more diverse and more inclusive university.”
The need-based scholarship will give preference to students who have participated in Wolverine Pathways, the college-readiness program that serves students from Detroit, Southfield, and Ypsilanti Community school districts, and who have demonstrated a commitment to bettering their community.
Since Hagen’s challenge in June, dozens of institutions across the country have announced the establishment of George Floyd scholarship programs recognizing George Floyd, who was killed in Minneapolis while being arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit bill.