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Our Next Generation - The Wisdom Scholars Program

As part of our commitment to a healthier, more sustainable form of leadership in the future, we created the Wisdom Scholar program. Each year, we provide scholarships to students who demonstrate curiosity about their own personal leadership capacity. These scholars have proven a passion and vision for furthering values of sustainability in their communities. Each scholar receives $2,000 toward educational expenses while engaging with Wisdom Works team members.

2009-2010 Wisdom Scholars

Alexis Hyder (Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI) MBA Candidate, Class of 2011 Wisdom Scholar Alexis Hyder

- Prior to her current MBA program, Alexis spent several years creating social media campaigns at MTV and mtvU on issues ranging from civic engagement to the crisis in Darfur. She has completed the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, which trains college graduates in ethical and effective leadership, and was active with the Coro alumni association. In 2008 she volunteered in Liberia with the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative. While there, she assisted the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare address its health infrastructure needs. At Ross, Alexis is involved with the Emerging Markets Club and participated in the school's Leadership Crisis Challenge. She plans to pursue a career at the intersection of business and social change, using business to address critical social issues in the U.S. and the developing world.

Past Wisdom Scholars

Casey Roe, American University - Update: "I graduated from American University in May of 2009 and obtained a job as the Outreach Coordinator in the sustainability office at Duke University. This has truly been a dream job for me, since campus sustainability was a large focus of my undergraduate years at American. The Wisdom Scholarship was a pivotal experience in that it provided an opportunity for reflection on leadership qualities and communication skills."

[Read Casey's reflections on the Wisdom Works article "Self-Observation: A Powerful Tool for the 21st Century Leader" - PDF]

Theresa Vertucci, Leeds School of Business - Update: Theresa graduated in December 2009 and received the outstanding finance student award for her graduating class. She is currently working for the Leeds School program, Curriculum Emphasis on Social Responsibility, and teaches a recitation for "Introduction to Business." She is applying to Teach for America and also looking into law school. To round out her busy life as a graduate, she is newly engaged, looking forward to her wedding date in July. She has fond memories of her time as a 2009-2010 Wisdom Scholar:

"Wisdom Works was a great experience. I was able to read interesting articles and then had the opportunity to share what I thought. Very rarely does an undergraduate student get asked his/her opinion about Business Leadership, but I think having to express your opinion about it helps you better understand the complexities behind leadership. Asking questions of ourselves is the best way to develop personal answers. If undergraduate students don't get asked questions on leadership and business behavior, they do not get the opportunity to be introspective which is an important part of developing into a leader."

[Read Theresa's reflections on the Wisdom Works article "Self-Observation: A Powerful Tool for the 21st Century Leader" - PDF]

James Manganello, University of Michigan - Update: James is finalizing his bachelor's in history and English after studying in Ireland during his junior year. His experience at an Irish university resonated with principles he learned as a Wisdom Scholar, including, for instance, an appreciation for the university's shift from traditional unidirectional teaching (e.g., lectures and exams) to more engaging, discussion-based education. [Read James' reflections on Wisdom Works principles of servant leadership and more - PDF]

Jonathan Romig, Colorado State University - Update: Jonathan reports that his experience with Wisdom Works' approach has played a significant part in his recent research project with CSU's management department. Also, applying these holistic principles as president of his school's finance club, Jonathan managed to increase club membership from 16 to 60 in just one school year. [Read Jonathan's reflections on the Wisdom Works article "A Case for Health and the Bottom Line" - PDF]

Are You Our Next Wisdom Scholar?

We are now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 academic year. Think you have what it takes to join this inspiring group? [Details and Application - PDF]

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