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Printer-Friendly ModeDonation creates fellowship program
March 20, 2006 —
A $1.5 million gift has been donated by Midland's Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation to advance education leaders.
"This gift will allow SVSU to further build both its education program and reputation," said Dr. Stephen Barbus, dean of the College of Education.
Barbus was a driving force behind discussions held throughout last year with SVSU President Dr. Eric R. Gilbertson for the support of the fellowship's proposal.
Now that the proposal has been accepted by the foundation, it will enable 12 Gerstacker Fellows to be annually nominated and selected by faculty and administrators.
"Up and coming leaders will be selected," Barbus said. "People who are seen as future leaders of their communities will be chosen to participate."
Beginning in August, those selected will meet monthly to take on education issues concerning ethics, communication, planning, and politics.
"This fellowship will require complete commitment," Barbus said. "Those selected are going to have to arrange their schedules so that they can be fully prepared to work hard."
Additionally, the fellowship will be a global experience for those involved. Participants will travel to sister universities in Japan, China, or Taiwan at no cost.
"We'll use a case study method," Barbus said. "Those selected will gain cultural understanding of how issues affect others in different areas of the world. It's going to broaden their approach to these issues."
The application deadline for the fellowship is Monday, April 3. Although the fellowship is open to current and future education leaders, the precise criteria are listed online at www.svsu.edu/coe/gerstacker. Applications are also available online or through the College of Education.
Prior to this donation, the Gerstacker Foundation donated $1 million to the construction of the University's Regional Education Center and $1.25 million to establish the Carl A. Gerstacker Endowed Chair in Education.
The Gerstacker Foundation was established in 1957. Its purpose is to carry on financial aid to the types of charities supported by Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Gerstacker during their lifetimes. The majority of the foundation's charities are located in Michigan and Ohio. In all, the Gerstacker Foundation has been responsible for donating over $53 billion.