Photo of class trip to Europe from Geiman Fellows

Geiman Fellows

Empowering tomorrow's leaders through community and service.

The Geiman Fellows Program at Western Colorado University offers exceptional students a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage in meaningful community service, and build lifelong connections. Rooted in the values of collaboration and civic responsibility, this prestigious program prepares fellows to make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.

Fellows Program
Scholars Program

 

 

Geiman Senior Fellows

Our Mission

The mission of the Geiman Fellows program is to develop productive members of our global society.

Our Purpose

To broaden participants’ perspectives of the changing global economy through coursework, service learning, and travel. The likes of which initiated the Western EPICS Program, the Geiman Jr. Fellows College Prep Program, and scholarships.

Our Outcomes

  • Insight into the effective practice of leadership and management
  • Greater sense of personal purpose, including discovering and nurturing signature style
  • Broadened personal and professional perspectives
  • An open mind and an appreciation of exposure to differing viewpoints
  • Ability to obtain information from diverse and reliable sources to inform critical thought and decision making
Apply to be a Geiman Senior Fellow

Apply to be a Geiman Senior Fellow

Applications are announced each September, and interviews generally occur in October for the following spring cohort.

Candidate Requirements

  • Junior or Senior with at least two remaining semesters
  • Suggested 3.0 Cumulative GPA
  • Demonstrated curiosity, involvement, knowledge, skill, and/or drive beyond what is expected
  • Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, integrity, flexibility, collaboration, and/or strong interpersonal skills
  • Proactive and responsive communicator
  • Proven leadership or potential for leadership with additional mentoring
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple endeavors without experiencing excessive stress
  • If you are passionate about becoming a Fellow, please contact Maria Struble, Director of the Geiman Fellows program

Application Guidelines

Interested students should submit a résumé and cover letter (maximum of 2 pages) to Dr. Maria Struble, which includes the following information:

  • Name, Student ID#, Campus Address (include residence hall and CPO or off-campus address), permanent home address, e-mail address, cell phone
  • Major(s), Minor(s), Career Interests/Goals
  • What do you hope to gain from the Fellows, and what would be your most valuable contributions?
  • What does global citizenship mean to you?
  • Be sure you craft a professional résumé and cover letter, attending to all requested information above; it is highly suggested that you seek help at Career Services through the draft(s) and revision(s) process.

After applications are reviewed, students will be chosen to go through an interview process with Dave Geiman. This is the final step in the application process to be a Geiman Fellow.  Dave participates in the coursework and funds the annual trip.

Email Dr. Maria Struble

Geiman Scholars Program

The Geiman Scholars Program offers first-generation, low-income students with strong academic potential the opportunity to attend Western Colorado University.

Scholarship Details

Recipients may receive up to $15,000 per year for four years (up to a maximum of $60,000), contingent on full-time enrollment at Western Colorado University.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students must:

  • Be a current high school freshman residing in the Gunnison Valley (Gunnison and Crested Butte).
  • Have a minimum 2.8 GPA, demonstrating academic potential and motivation.
  • Meet financial eligibility requirements, verified by parent or guardian tax documentation.
  • Qualify as a first-generation college student, meaning neither parent/guardian has graduated from college, or only one parent/guardian has.

High School Requirements

Once selected, recipients must:

  • Attend at least six required meetings per year focused on academic development and college readiness.
  • Maintain regular communication with the Student Success Coordinator and Geiman Mentors at Western Colorado University.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA, submitting grade reports each semester. If the GPA falls below 2.8, students have one semester to improve it or risk program removal.
  • File the FAFSA or CASFA during junior and senior years to verify continued financial eligibility.
  • Apply for additional scholarships through Western Colorado University’s scholarship application or other local, state, or national programs.

Vision & Mission:

  • Our goal is to foster and encourage a desire to learn while also building skills and removing obstacles to help students achieve the academic success necessary for college attendance. This program was created by the Geiman Fellows, another Western program, using the concepts that had proven successful in the Valley Scholars program at James Madison University. All scholars who meet the requirements during their high school career are offered a last dollar in full-ride scholarship (tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies) to attend Western Colorado University.
  • Geiman Scholars are advised by current Western students who serve as mentors. These mentors receive extensive training, as well as a background check, to support the high school scholars on their road towards higher education.

For more information, please contact Christa Ochoa.

Email Christa Ochoa