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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.

 

Meet David Geiman

David Geiman is a philanthropist and former agribusiness executive whose generosity has greatly impacted Western Colorado University. Inspired by a visit to the Gunnison Valley, Geiman and his wife, Jeanne, established the Geiman Scholars Program—a $6.6 million endowment providing scholarships to low-income, first-generation students from the area. They also created the Geiman Fellows and Junior Fellows programs, which offer mentorship and academic support. Through these efforts, Geiman has helped expand educational access and opportunity in the Gunnison Valley.

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

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.