FALL 2017
MSU MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM
PARTNERSHIP UPDATE
Contents 1 A Note from the Assistant Dean 2 Largest Undergraduate Class of Scholars to Graduate
3 MSU Scholars at Work 5 MSU Faculty Reflect on the Scholars
6 Scholars Reflect on the Program
7 Service Learning Experiences 9 Reflections: 2016 Global Partners Convening
10 Scholar Achievements 11 Impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU
13 Alumni Spotlight 15 Scholars Travel for Field-Based Leadership Training
17 Incoming Graduate and Undergraduate Scholars
18 Returning Graduate Scholars 19 Returning Undergraduate Scholars
21 Scholars Program Boosted by Office of Admissions
22 Mastercard Foundation
A Note from the Assistant Dean I have the distinct pleasure to welcome our sixth and most diverse cohort of Scholars to MSU! These 33 amazing young leaders come from 17 countries, five of which are non-English speaking and four (Burundi, Madagascar, Niger, and Sierra Leone) that are brand new to the Scholars Program at MSU. In May, we celebrated the graduation of 10 Scholars—our largest undergraduate cohort to date—along with 12 graduate Scholars who earned master’s degrees. Our numbers are increasing and our Scholars are being well equipped for the challenges that lie ahead. They have received a stellar, well-rounded education at MSU, which, coupled with their passion to serve their communities and the nations of Africa, places them in the unique and enviable position to effect meaningful change for the betterment of their communities and the continent. I am delighted to note that the number of alumni from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU and beyond is growing rapidly with each passing year, creating inexhaustible opportunities to develop partnerships and linkages between groups of individuals, institutions, and nations. As a result of the growing presence of our alumni across the continent, the prospects for partnering with like-minded institutions and colleagues with a passion for seizing opportunities for growth and finding solutions for Africa’s challenges have increased significantly. Because of these emerging possibilities, we are placing greater attention on our Scholars’ transition from graduation. We are working closely with them to facilitate their professional growth and success, helping them where we can to address problems they encounter along the way. As new initiatives and opportunities develop from MSU’s partnership with a range of stakeholders on the continent, our alumni’s knowledge, skills, and passion to bring positive change will be invaluable. We look forward to working with alumni to take the communities and nations of Africa to new heights of social, economic, and political transformation. We therefore see the graduation of our Scholars not as the end of the journey, but the beginning of a life of service, impact, and truly transformative leadership!
Scholars Program Staff at MSU
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Largest Undergraduate Class of Scholars to Graduate
Chinwe A. Effiong, PhD Assistant Dean, The Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Youth Empowerment Programs
are equipped with skills relevant to their professional aspirations. In addition, they have benefited from the program’s focus on the acquisition of soft skills under the program’s leadership training and career development initiatives.
The 2017 graduating class of undergraduate Scholars gathers for one last celebration at the graduation reception event.
In the fall of 2012, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU welcomed its first cohort of five graduate and two undergraduate Scholars. The graduate Scholars that completed their master’s degrees in 2014 are now pursuing careers in Africa and PhD programs in the U.S. In turn, the program’s two pioneer undergraduates completed their degrees last spring—one now pursuing a master’s degree, and the other in a training position with Credit Suisse in New York. In 2013, the program recruited a larger cohort of 17 undergraduate Scholars. In spring 2017, the program celebrated the graduation of ten undergraduate Scholars from this class. These Scholars represent the largest group of undergraduate Scholars MSU has graduated since the program began in 2012. They have taken different paths; some proceeded to graduate school; others returned to their home countries; while others have taken up Optional Practical Training in the U.S. The success of these Scholars is a great accomplishment and represents an important milestone for the program. “We are delighted to see this cohort join their graduate Scholar counterparts as they transition from the program to the work force, or to pursuing further education,” said Isaac Kalumbu, program manager. “Watching this larger group of undergraduate Scholars graduate was a proud moment for the program.” Their time at MSU has prepared the graduating Scholars for the challenges they will face in their communities. Having completed rigorous degree programs, the Scholars
Furthermore, the Scholars have nurtured and developed a sense of community engagement and social responsibility through service-learning projects. In doing so, they have contributed significantly to the MSU/East Lansing community. For example, Scholars in social work helped Michigan families find solutions to legal, health, and educational challenges. In their spare time, some Scholars shared personal life stories with youth in correctional facilities and, by the youth’s own testimonies, have inspired them to maintain a positive outlook on life. Along with their contributions to community projects, Scholars have introduced their culture to the midMichigan area and enriched the cultural experiences of the MSU and Greater Lansing communities by promoting diversity. MSU Mastercard Foundation Scholars also participate in the MSU African Studies Center’s Kongamano Tea Time Series by giving presentations about their respective countries. The African Student Union’s Annual Gala has also featured the Scholars, while the Scholars Gumboot Dance Troupe has performed for the university, local schools, and churches, further enriching the educational and cultural landscape of the area. As the Scholars progress towards graduation, program staff are confident that the Scholars’ education and training has eqipped them to transform the lives of many and effect change in Africa. For example, Buhle Mndzebele graduated in 2016 and returned home to Swaziland where he founded the Buhle Capital Foundation which promotes affordable investment schemes among economically marginalized communities. Buhle has worked for the Reserve Bank of Swaziland and is currently employed in the banking sector in South Africa. A new generation of leaders is emerging, and the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU is not only proud of them, but is dedicated to supporting them as alumni.
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MSU Scholars at Work
Kenya
The Gambia Benin Ghana
Nigeria
Ethiopia
Uganda
Kenya
Rwanda Tanzania
Malawi
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Zimbabwe
5
Rwanda
4
Nigeria
3
South Africa
3
Tanzania
3
Uganda
3
Ethiopia
2
Ghana
2
Benin
1
Botswana
1
Lesotho
1
Malawi
1
Swaziland
1
The Gambia TOTAL
1 37
Zimbabwe Botswana Swaziland Lesotho South Africa
This year marks the fifth year and halfway point of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU. Since the inaugural series of internship placements in 2013, 119 Scholars have had the opportunity to serve in 23 African nations. MSU and its Scholars have found mutual benefit through internship placements within MSU programs and initiatives based in Africa. This year, two Scholars worked with the AgriFood Youth Opportunity Lab (Ag Youth Lab)—a five-year, $13 million collaboration between MSU and the Mastercard Foundation. The Ag Youth Lab is assisting economically disadvantaged, hard-to-reach, and out-of-school youth between ages 18 and 24 gain employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the agrifood value chains of Nigeria ad Ghana. Other Scholars are working with the MSU faculty-affiliated Malaria Alert Centre, and some are with the RECaP Laboratory—a collection of ecologists devoted to conducting research on the ecology of carnivores and their prey in a global extent. Scholars are also exploring entrepreneurship through internship placements like the Startup Incubator Gambia, which supports the successful development of Gambian 3
Scholar Placement 2017 Scholar Internships in Africa
entrepreneurs through an array of business support services and resources. At the end of their internships, Scholars are expected to propose a social or business entrepreneurship idea that addresses community needs. Research is also an important component of the Scholars’ internship placements. MSU Scholars’ research has a wide reach, ranging from natural resource management and gender-based violence, to engineering microcontrollers and neonatology. The largest number of MSU Scholars has been accepted to graduate school in 2017—more than a third of the graduating class has joined a range of programs including master’s degrees in public health and PhD programs in biomedical engineering. More than a third of this cohort have returned to Africa to take up employment with former internship sites, independent ventures, and universities, among others. The remaining Scholars are currently engaged in temporary employment within the U.S. to expand their professional portfolios.
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MSU Faculty Reflect on the Scholars
Scholars Reflect on the Program
Maria K. Lapinski
Professor Communications and Michigan Ag-Bio Research
“I really enjoy connecting with the Scholars—they have insights and experiences that add depth to our class discussions and help me learn new things. It is exciting to see students so focused and committed to education.”
Derrick Dwamena
Sophomore
“MSU is so fortunate to have this program. As a researcher on Africa, I have learned so much from the bright, talented, and intellectually curious Scholars that I have had the opportunity to work with. They always make me want to learn so much more.”
Susanna Maingi
Veronique Theriault
Assistant Professor Agriculture Food and Resource Economics
Graduate Scholar
“Through the MCF Scholars Program, I have been exposed to limitless opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing me to serve as a leader within Michigan State University and beyond.”
Astley Siwela
Sophomore
“I witnessed the transformation that takes place in the Scholars: from wide-eyed newcomers to polished professionals with well thought, well-constructed ideas, altruistic visions, and transformative ambitions. MCF’s holistic approach to education is truly creating the next generation of African leaders.”
Blessing Tayisepi
Alumni Scholar
Karim Maredia Professor Entomology
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Luyando Katenda
Sophomore
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Service Learning Experiences
organization that he founded while he was a refugee in Uganda. His organization targets refugee youth and helps them continue with their education. Another Scholar, an undergraduate from Zimbabwe, talked about an organization she founded that empowers female students from underprivileged backgrounds in her country. All of the Scholars were eager to learn about each other’s service projects, and how they could work synergistically as Scholars and alumni to serve their continent. Scholars collaborated on how to build non-profit organizations or utilize entrepreneurship to address issues critical to Africa’s development. In the spring of 2017, the Scholars volunteered at two community sites in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They distributed a newsletter to local residents and sorted out seeds for gardeners at the Greater Lansing Food Bank. Over the summer, Scholars on campus had the chance to volunteer with Detroit City Gardens in honor of the Mandela Day of Service. In total, the Scholars spent about 287 hours on community service projects during the 2016/2017 academic year (not including the time they spent providing service through other affiliations such as student groups or college associations).
Scholars volunteering at the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm in Detroit on Mandela Day of Service.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Michigan State University are committed to giving back—both to the local Michigan community and their communities in Africa. Throughout the year, freshmen and sophomore Scholars identify service opportunities at various community sites within the mid-Michigan area. The program requires them to volunteer at two sites each semester. The Scholars typically organize themselves into groups of six to eight and dedicate two to three hours of their time volunteering. In the fall of 2016, Scholars volunteered at the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project where they provided support for the project’s annual fundraising drive. At Nyaka, the Scholars addressed more than 400 envelopes containing letters to project donors and other partners who support the cause. The Scholars also volunteered at the Allen Neighborhood Center—a project designed to empower the Lansing community and promote youth civic involvement— and helped prepare garden beds for winter planting, transported compost to outside gardens, and pulled weeds from the gardens. 7
During the Spartan Day of Service in October 2016— coincidentally the same day as the Mastercard Foundation Day of Service—the Scholars joined fellow Spartans and offered services at several community sites. The activities ranged from serving families at a local homeless shelter to painting classrooms at local elementary and middle schools. Other Scholars joined their college sororities and volunteered for causes they care most about. For example, three sophomore Scholars in the College of Engineering collaborated on a project with members of their sorority and the Society of Women in Engineering. Their plan is to motivate elementary and middle school girls to develop their interest in science by engaging them in laboratory experiments. In total, during the fall of 2016, Scholars rendered service at nine locations in the greater Lansing area. A Service Learning Reflection event was held in January 2017, during which the Scholars shared how their community engagements in the Lansing area helped them hone their skills in service work. Some Scholars presented about their “give back” projects in their home countries. One graduate Scholar presented about a non-profit
Community service work reaps holistic and reciprocal benefits for our Scholars and their communities. MSU Scholars are expected to have experience with service work in their home countries as a prerequisite to their application. The spirit of service promoted on MSU’s campus aligns with the values of the larger student body, and it continues with the Scholars’ commitment to return to Africa and serve their home countries after graduation.
MSU Mastercard Foundation Scholars are the Head of the Class As of the summer of 2017, 88% of Scholars scored a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above. Of this number, 68% have a GPA of 3.5 and above. In addition, 46% of MSU Mastercard Foundation undergraduate Scholars are enrolled in the Honors College. Several others are on the university’s Dean’s List, as well as their respective colleges’ Dean’s Lists.
Scholars working together at the Hunter Park Garden House in Lansing.
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Reflections: 2016 Global Partners Convening
Scholar Achievements Susanna Maingi, Second Year Graduate College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Alumni Association Scholarship to fund research
Derrick Dwamena, Sophomore First Place Award for Neuroscience presentation at the 2017 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum
Pechulano Ngwe-Ali, Second Year Graduate Don Caldwell Memorial Scholarship in Environmental Journalism
Benjamin Eshiwani, Sophomore Third place, 2016 MSU Office for International Students and Scholars Essay Contest
Talitha Pam, Second Year Graduate First place, 2016 MSU Office for International Students and Scholars Essay Contest
In October 2016, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program held the Global Partners Convening at Michigan State University. Over 25 partners were in attendance, including new partners: Carnegie Mellon University, Rwanda; Edinburgh University; SciencesPo; and Queen’s University. MSU was the site of the inaugural meeting in 2012, and the university was honored to once again welcome partners to East Lansing. The goal of the annual meeting is to bring together partner organizations and schools to discuss challenges, successes, and best collaboration practices to benefit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars and their communites across Africa.
Luyando Katenda, Sophomore Featured by Real Leaders magazine in Fall 2016 as one of 100 Visionary Leaders 30 years old and under; Voted Vice president of MSU’s African Student Leadership Nicolas Umuhizi, Second Year Graduate Association (ASLA); Outstanding Delegate Award at Elected to serve on the board of the MBA Entrepreneurship Model African Union at Howard University, Spring 2017 Association as vice president for corporate affairs David Rakojoana, Sophomore Arhin Acheampong, Senior Honorable mention, 2016 MSU Office for International Appointed Vice Chair, Executive Council, Model African Students and Scholars Essay Contest. Union, Howard University, Spring 2017 Astley Siwela, Sophomore Momodou G. Bah, Senior Invited to serve as Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Norway Grand Prize, Honors College Give Back Project at the International Student Festival in Trondheim 2017 Competition (selected out of 10,000 applicants from 160 countries) Hepsiba Chepngeno, Senior First Place Award for Business presentation at the 2017 University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum Balindile Motsa, Junior College of Natural Sciences Undergraduate Research Award.
William Yakah at the New England Science Symposium at Harvard Medical School where he was invited to present his research.
William Yakah, Junior Honors College Research Scholar, 2016/17 academic year; Invited to present research at New England Science Symposium, Harvard Medical School, March 2017; College of Natural Science Dean’s Research Scholar 2017/18 Tova-Rayne Gyampong-Ankamah, Sophomore Honorable mention, 2016 MSU Office for International Students and Scholars Essay Contest.
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Impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU Inaugural African Graduate Students Association (AGSA) meeting in 2015.
Photo Courtesy of Caroline Latona (Franctal Studio).
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU is grateful to receive immense support from many units across the university. Without this support, the program’s success would not be possible. In turn, the program has made contributions to the university through individual Scholars who have enriched the experiences of others with discussions in and out of the classroom. Scholars have shared aspects of their unique talents, cultures, and experiences in various formal and informal contexts. The program has impacted MSU immensely by identifying needs of African students and creating new student organizations to address those needs. MSU Mastercard Foundation Scholars have also participated in existing MSU African student organizations. Mastercard Foundation Scholar Participation in MSU Student Organizations Since the inception of the Scholars Program in 2012, Mastercard Foundation Scholars have had an active presence on the MSU campus. While they have had interests in many student organizations, their most prominent activities have been with organizations that focus on Africa, such as the African Students Union. Two previous presidents of the Union, Barbara Kotei and Sharon Onyango, were Scholars, and several other Scholars have served on the African Students Union Executive Board. Other Scholars have played prominent roles in the African Students Union Annual Gala as actors, dancers, presenters, and organizers. Similarly, 11
Scholar Arhin Acheampong has been elected president of the African Student Leadership Association (ASLA) for two consecutive years. His current vice president, Luyando Katenda, is also a Scholar. Several Scholars have participated as ASLA members in the Model African Union competitions held annually in Washington, DC, and have earned awards and recognitions. The Scholars have made notable contributions to the MSU community through their participation as presenters and facilitators in the African Studies Center’s bi-weekly Tea Time series. This series provides an opportunity for MSU students and faculty to share information about topics relating to African countries. Each meeting focuses on one or two countries and creates a welcoming environment for faculty, students, and members of the Greater Lansing community to share research, sociocultural, and other types of information about the focus countries. The meetings are designed to bring students and faculty together while including members of the local communities who are interested in Africa. Because of the presence of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and their willingness to participate, the African Studies Center has been able to cover a broader scope of African countries and cultures in their series. African Female Student Empowerment Program In the fall of 2016, faculty at Michigan State University
launched the African Female Student Empowerment Program (AFSEP) following a grant of $5,000 from the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives at MSU. AFSEP is led by three African female faculty members that are familiar with the challenges many African women face—specifically their lack of empowerment and agency to be independent. The AFSEP initiative was based on evidence that African female students fail to utilize university support services and resources that are likely to improve their professional and social experience. These students expressed challenges, including difficulties finding professional mentors and feeling out of place in their new cultural and academic environment. It is difficult for some African women to feel empowered in their communities, and their transition to the U.S. is no different. Many African female students come from countries that do not promote female empowerment within their societies; communities socialize and expect women to work solely within domestic realms, while men are socialized and expected to work in public spheres. AFSEP works to mentor African female students to instill confidence in them and ensure they realize and utilize their full potential.
Scholars Program community at MSU. All African students at MSU now have a vehicle through which they can receive leadership training, as well as a platform for pan-African collaboration in the areas of research, leadership skills, and development projects. Students hope to continue cross-regional cooperation beyond their studies at MSU. Through such contributions, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is changing the university in impactful and lasting ways. AGSA now holds an Annual Research Conference that features the research of African graduate students across MSU’s graduate programs. The conference enables AGSA to create a forum for the healthy exchange of ideas, frame pertinent issues, and advance policy recommendations for the development of Africa. African Men’s Network Following the formation of AFSEP, male student expressed an interest in a program that would address issues pertaining to African male students at MSU. The group’s name—African Men’s Network—was chosen to reflect its primary goal of creating a network of collaboration and mutual assistance among African male students at MSU.
During the spring 2017 semester, the group met three times. One of the meetings introduced the serious legal consequences of misunderstandings that may arise from Since the launch of the AFSEP initiative, bi-weekly personal relationships and dating. Miscommunication may and monthly sessions are held to generate discussions addressing challenges African female students experience. arise largely because of cultural differences between the parties concerned, or differences in the legal standards Led by speakers from Africa and African MSU staff, the for crimes and violations between home countries and the sessions engage the students in discussions about topics U.S. To navigate these issues, the Mastercard Foundation ranging from self-esteem and leadership, to professional networking and romantic relationships. Students were also Scholars Program staff invited young, successful African lawyer Takura Nyamfukudza to host a discussion that the trained to become peer mentors to the incoming female students were able to relate to. He discussed dating and African students for the 2017/2018 school year. AFSEP what constituted illegal physical contact, as well as other participants strongly believe that having a peer mentor is forms of physical violence. critical to the process of adjusting to U.S. academic and social culture, mitigating culture shock. Attendees requested that he return to discuss another important topic: how they, as black men, were to conduct After conducting a mid-year survey to evaluate its impact, themselves during interactions with police. Another AFSEP found that the participating students feel the African Men’s Network meeting hosted Takura and his initiative has improved their self-confidence, their ability to find and establish relationships with mentors, and their fellow attorney, Brian Jackson, as they discussed and acted out a variety of scenarios that the Scholars may someday willingness to take leadership roles in their communities. encounter. Takura and Brian used the manner in which the students responded in the different scenarios to African Graduate Students Association assess how much they had learned. In the third and final The MSU Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program meeting, the students formed a steering committee, terms partnered with the African Studies Center to create the of reference for the organization, and a program for 2017/18 African Graduate Students Association (AGSA) in the fall academic year. The African Men’s network has resumed its of 2015. Inspired by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars meetings this fall. Program’s Leadership Academy for African Development, AGSA was formed to convene all students from Africa into a community similar to the Mastercard Foundation 12
Alumni Spotlight
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Alumni Spotlight
Makafui Borbi
David Makacha
Makafui Borbi received her master’s degree in food science from Michigan State University in 2016. She currently works with Ecom Agroindustrial Corporation Limited in Ghana as a management trainee. The company deals in marketing, supply chain management, and sustainability of cocoa and other soft commodities. As a management trainee, Makafui is involved in the Sustainability Management Service Department where she assists with training cocoa farmers in alternative livelihood programs, such as the plantain sucker manipulation. She is currently working on providing training for farmers to help them manufacture improved packaged cosmetic products from cocoa pods. Prior to securing this position, Makafui started Groovy Foods Ghana Limited—a company that specializes in the production and marketing of minimally processed food products. Makafui plans to complete her training program and secure a management position with Ecom Agroindustrial Corporation Limited.
David Makacha received his master’s degree in advertising and public relations from the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University in 2015. He immediately returned to Zimbabwe, his home country, where he is working as social media manager at Multimedia—a local advertising and marketing agency. Upon his return, David worked with alumni from the National University of Science and Technology to form an association called NUST UMC Alumni Association. The organization assists secondary school pupils at Emsizini, a rural school in Zimbabwe‘s Matabeleland province, to raise school fees as well as offer free career guidance and some school supplies. David is also a part-time lecturer at NUST where he and other staff members are currently working on a proposal to introduce a degree in public relations—which would be the first public relations degree offered by a university in Zimbabwe.
Victor Jayeola
Pauline Wambua
Victor Jayeola graduated with a master’s degree in food science from Michigan State University in 2015. He is currently a doctoral degree student at North Carolina State University in the Department of Microbiology. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms in salmonella, a foodborne pathogen. He has authored a number of peer-reviewed articles and presented his research findings at conferences such as the North Carolina Governor’s Task Force on Food Safety meeting in March 2016. In addition to his research initiatives, Victor also volunteers as a mentor and project coordinator in the annual CALS 3D summer program of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU. The summer program is designed to provide hands-on laboratory experience for high school students. After his doctoral program, Victor will seek opportunities as a research scientist in a relevant industry or in academia.
Pauline Wambua graduated with a master’s degree in Public Policy from the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University in 2016. She is currently pursuing her PhD in educational policy in the College of Education at MSU. Pauline is interested in researching the intersection of gender, social class, and the urban/ rural divide in perpetuating inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa. In summer 2017, Pauline conducted a study to understand the urban/rural gender dynamics in school attendance and academic performance in secondary school education in Kenya. At MSU, Pauline works with Afrobarometer—a pan-African, non-partisan research network—that conducts public attitude surveys on democracy, governance, economic conditions, and related issues across Africa. Outside of academic and professional work, Pauline is actively involved in education issues in her community. Together with other university students and graduates in her community, she started a volunteer group that offers remedial classes and motivational talks to students. Pauline’s long-term goals are to improve education access and policies to disadvantaged groups in Kenya and other parts of Africa and the world.
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Scholars Travel for Field-Based Leadership Training “Learning about the U.S. Congress, and visiting iconic sites such as the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian Museum gives the Scholars an understanding of American government and history,” said Isaac Kalumbu, program manager for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU. “We want our Scholars to understand the U.S. government and how it works, so their meetings with staff from Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office, for example, have been instructive.”
A few first-year graduate Scholars in front of the White House while in Washington, DC.
The progam’s Leadership Academy for African Development Seminar Series (LAAD) continues to provide Scholars with needed cross-disciplinary knowledge and expertise about African experiences. The highly-accomplished MSU Africanist faculty deliver a comprehensive leadership training program which facilitates knowledge sharing, bonding, and cohort building among upperclassmen undergraduate and graduate Scholars. This year, the LAAD curriculum has been revamped to reflect a greater focus on entrepreneurship, ethics, and financial literacy.
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and exciting, since New York City is one of the largest cities in the world,” Kalumbu said. “Being exposed to a city of this magnitude, its culture, history, commerce, and technology inspired new ideas and presents endless opportunities.” One of the most notable experiences of their visit was the Scholars’ tour of the United Nations Headquarters, during which they learned how the global organization functions. This year, 12 second-year graduate Scholars also traveled The tour led to the Economic and Social Council Chamber, to New York City. The Scholars visited the United Nations, where the Scholars witnessed delegates working during a the September 11 Memorial and Museum, and embarked on live session. a New York City Slavery and Underground Railroad Tour. Scholars also visited the American Museum of Natural “The United States is a global leader, and our Scholars History and attended the historically and culturally want to be global leaders,” said Kalumbu. “It is important significant Apollo Theater’s, “Armature Night at the that they not only know the country’s history and culture, Apollo” in Harlem. but also how it interacts with the world. These visits show them how they can work with the U.S. and other countries “The Scholars found the New York visit both enlightening to effect change.”
While at the World Bank, Scholars met with economists that have experience working in Africa. The group also visited the African Union’s Mission to the United States, and met with ambassadors and representatives from several African countries. In addition, the Scholars met with officials at USAID and Africare, an international NGO. Other stops included the Martin Luther King Memorial, and a private session with a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist. “While the trip was meant to expose the Scholars to important cultural aspects of the U.S., it also focused on
Second-year graduate Scholars with staff members Isaac Kalumbu and Sheba Onchiri in New York City.
Regional and national field visits are also integral components of the overall leadership training. These components provide exposure to aspects of U.S. life, culture, government, and economics in ways that invite reflection on Africa and its place in the world. Scholars participate in a number of field visits throughout the year. During spring break, the first-year graduate Scholars travel to Washington, DC, while the second-year graduate Scholars visit New York City. Participating in the visit to Washington, DC this year were 11 first-year graduate Scholars. Scholars toured the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the World Bank Headquarters.
meeting with organizations who are aligned with the Scholars’ academic and professional interests,” said Laura Wise, career development manager for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU. “The idea is to have the Scholars learn more about what the organizations do, but also what the organizations are looking for in prospective employees.”
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT Luyando Katenda
Degree: James Madison College Country: Zambia Luyando Katenda has taken an interest in public policy from a young age, when he joined UNICEF as a child climate ambassador. Since then, Luyando has cofounded the Future Africa Organization. Future Africa works to revolutionize political and social discourse in Africa by bridging the gap between decision makers and citizens. The organization also hosts radio shows that focus on climate and other environmental issues. The programs are produced and presented by youth. Graduate Scholars gather in front of the Washington Monument while in Washington, DC.
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Returning Graduate Scholars
Incoming Graduate and Undergraduate Scholars Graduates
Undergraduates
Raymond Adda
Komla Afoutou
Country: Ghana Degree: Political Science
Ekene Agueboh
Country: Nigeria Degree: Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics
Nyaradzo Baye
Country: Namibia Degree: Social Work
Henok Bekele
Country: Ethiopia Degree: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Thomas Bilintoh
Country: Ghana Degree: Geography, Environmental & Spatial Sciences
Emmanuel Chima Country: Malawi Degree: Social Work
Prudence Kunyangna
Abii-Tah Chungong
Country: Cameroon Degree: Political Science
Nyimasata Danjo
Country: The Gambia Degree: Pre-Med
Don De Dieu Iradukunda
Country: Burundi Degree: Ag & Natural Resources
Kisanet Gebresilase
Country: Ethiopia Degree: Environmental & Plant Biology
Romuald Gonety
Country: Cote D’Ivoire Degree: Engineering
Oluwatosin Habeeb Country: The Gambia Degree: Nursing
Violet Acumo
Pius Mithika
Kevin Affoukou
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Psychology Country: Kenya Degree: Business
Aminatou Seydou Moumouni Country: Niger Degree: James Madison College
Racheal Nassimbwa Country: Uganda Degree: Biology
Narindra Randriamiarintsoa
Country: Uganda Degree: Public Policy Country: Benin Degree: Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics
Margaret Githua
Country: Kenya Degree: Public Relations
Simpson Kamugisha Country: Uganda Degree: Social Work
Country: Madagascar Degree: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Susanna Maingi
Linca Teta Ukundwa
Hazel Moyo
Country: Rwanda Degree: Nursing
Andala Yakubu
Country: Ghana Degree: Women’s and Gender Studies
Country: Kenya Degree: Fisheries & Wildlife Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Human Development & Family Studies Country: Zimbabwe Degree: International Law
Talitha Pam
Country: Kenya Degree: Biosystems Engineering
Country: Nigeria Degree: Community Sustainability
Country: Nigeria Degree: Comparative medicine & Integrative Biology
Natalie Kagole
Robert Tuke
Kechonjo Masiaine
Mike Kamwana
Chima Maduka
Country: Kenya Degree: Fisheries & Wildlife
Nyasha Mudukuti
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Plant Biology
Gloria Nzeka
Country: South Africa Degree:Journalism
Toheeb Otun
Country: Nigeria Degree: Statistics & Probability
Country: Uganda Degree: BioLab Science Country: Zambia Degree: Mechanical Engineering
Caroline Khombe Country: Malawi Degree: Social Work
Abubakarr Koroma Country: Sierra Leone Degree: Biochemistry
Raymond Lesiyon
Country: Kenya Degree: Biosystems Engineering
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is an excellent opportunity for African scholars to bring their diverse experiences to the Michigan State University graduate student community.” Rique Campa Associate Dean, Graduate School
“The Scholars are extremely
dedicated to their studies, passionate about science and medicine, and proactive about finding research and internship opportunities to enrich their educational experiences.” Kendra Pyle Kanaboshi Academic Advisor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonard Mukosi
Miriam Kaburu
Country: Ghana Degree: Epidemiology & Biostatistics
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Country: Togo Degree: Computer Science
Chido Matsika
Country: Uganda Degree: Epidemiology & Biostatistics
Nicolas Umuhizi Country: Rwanda Degree: MBA
Trhas Weldezghi
Country:Eritrea Degree: Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT Deiv Rakojoana Degree: Actuarial Science Country: Lesotho
Deiv Rakojoana grew up in rural Lesotho struggling to afford his education. Tuition and uniform costs often kept the youth in his community from attending high school. To address this challenge, Deiv established the Dress the Orphans Foundation—an organization that collects school uniforms and distributes them to students in need. Beginning as a clothing drive at one high school, the Foundation has since grown and extended its services to multiple schools in the area.
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Returning Undergraduate Scholars
Balindile Motsa
Agnes Ntapara
Phoebe Tuyishime
Arnold Mutayoba
Expery Omoll
Jackline Umurerwa
Country: Swaziland Degree: Biochemistry
Country: Tanzania Degree: Electrical Engineering
Country: Tanzania Degree: Computer Science
Josine Mutuyimana
Sharon Onyango
Country: Rwanda Degree: Food Science
Hafsa Abass
Country: Kenya Degree: Accounting
Duale Abdullahi
Country: Kenya Degree: Computer Science
Nana Abena Anti
Country: Ghana Degree: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hailu Abreha
Country: Ethiopia Degree: Biomedical Laboratory
Arhin Acheampong
Country: Ghana Degree: Criminal Justice
Eustace Akagha
Country: Ghana Degree: Nursing
Derrick Dwamena
Country: Ghana Degree: Human Biology
Benjamin Eshiwani Country: Kenya Degree: Economics
Claire Gapare
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Neuroscience
Tsion Gebissa
Country: Ethiopia Degree: Biochemistry
Joyce Goodluck
Country: Nigeria Degree: Kinesiology
Country: Rwanda Degree: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Pre-Med
Bevertone Anyong’a
Amanuel Goshu
Country: Kenya Degree: James Madison College
Momodou Bah
Country: The Gambia Degree: Neuroscience
Country: Ethiopia Degree: Computer Engineering
Rebecca Guei
Country: Cote d’Ivoire Degree: Psychology
Esther Kilaja
Country: Tanzania Degree: General Management
Rellika Kisyula
Country: Kenya Degree: Media and Information
Perpetual Koech
Country: Kenya Degree: Civil Engineering
Josué Kpodo
Country: Togo Degree: Computer Science
Joseph M’po Yeti
Country: Benin Degree: Computer Science
Orwell Madovi
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Electrical Engineering
Lucas Manhice
Country: Mozambique Degree: Civil Engineering
Mukangwa Masamba
Country: Zambia Degree: Actuarial Science
Amal Matovu
Samuel Batali
Carl Gyapong-Ankamah Country: Ghana Degree: Premed
Country: Botswana Degree: Economics & Environmental Studies
Ebrima Camara
Felix Ishimwe
Panashe Mayangamutse
Naomi Kamitha
Abigael Metto
Country: South Sudan Degree: Computer Science Country: The Gambia Degree: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joyline Chepkorir
Country: Rwanda Degree: Geological Sciences
Country: Kenya Degree: Nursing
Country: Kenya Degree: Women and Gender Studies
Hepsiba Chepngeno
Luyando Katenda
Country: Kenya Degree: Agribusiness Management
Arnold Chiswanda
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Civil Engineering
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Roberta Dankyi
Country: Zambia Degree: James Madison College
Beatrice Kemboi
Country: Kenya Degree: Actuarial Science
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Electrical Engineering Country: Kenya Degree: Neuroscience
Millicent Mlauzi
Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Civil Engineering
Ketelelo Moapare
Country: Botswana Degree: Civil Engineering
Country: Kenya Degree: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Country: Kenya Degree: Chemical Engineering
Ritah Nabaggala
Ewurama Owusu-Hammond
Country: Uganda Degree: Neuroscience
Country: Ghana Degree: Electrical
Rachel Nanteza
Country: Uganda Degree: Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Samuel Phiri
Nikkita Ngalande
David Rakojoana
Country: Zambia Degree: Actuarial Science
Country: Lesotho Degree: Actuarial Science
Lerato Rametse
Jacqline Njeri
Hannatu Sadiq
Ebrima Njie
Astley Siwela
Yusuf Njoroge
Amanuel Tesfamichael
Country: Kenya Degree: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Country: The Gambia Degree: Civil Engineering Country: Kenya Degree: Construction Management
Wambali Nkhwazi
Country: Malawi Degree: Biomedical Laboratory Science
Country: Rwanda Degree: Nursing
William Yakah
Country: Ghana Degree: Neuroscience
Irene Yayishimiye
Country: Rwanda Degree: Computer Engineering
Country: Zambia Degree: Electrical Engineering
Gigi Ngcobo
Country: South Africa Degree: Media and Information
Country: Rwanda Degree: Nursing
Country: South Africa Degree: Psychology Country: Nigeria Degree: Human Development & Family Studies Country: Zimbabwe Degree: Economics Country: Ethiopia Degree: Electrical Engineering
Espoir Tuyisenge
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at MSU are some of the most vibrant, educated, wellspoken, and intellectually curious students I’ve met. The impact they make on the world is inspiring, and I look forward to following their stories for years to come.” Amanda Idema Assistant Dean, Engineering
Country: Rwanda Degree: Food Industry Management
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT Claire Gapare
Degree: Neuroscience Country: Zimbabwe While studying neuroscience, undergraduate Scholar Claire Gapare channels her faith as she works to better the lives of African youths. After having a religiousinspired epiphany, Claire established a Christian organization called Photizo in Zimbabwe in 2013. Through fundraising activities, the organization assists orphans with their personal development and social needs, focusing on providing access to an effective education and a holistic lifestyle.
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Scholars Program Boosted by Office of Admissions The Office of Admissions at MSU has played an integral role in the success of the university’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Patty Croom, director of international admissions, and Alex Smith, admissions counselor, have been especially involved with the recruitment, selection, and application procedures for undergraduate Scholars. As the Program accepted its final cohort of undergraduate Scholars this year, we reflect on the hard work of the individuals that have contributed to the program’s success.
As a result of their efforts, the Program received 1,100 applications for the 21 available undergraduate scholarships in 2017. The Office of Admissions also vetted every application and presented the best 150-200 of them to a committee for final selection.
Over the last five years, Croom and Smith have carried out in-person recruitment in 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa—typically covering at least 10-12 countries each year. They have also extended their reach through webinars and Skype presentations in other locations.
In addition to the recruitment and selections that Croom and Smith do for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, they also perform the essential counseling involved with relocating international Scholars to East Lansing.
“Our colleagues in Admissions performed the significant task of disseminating information about the Scholars program across the continent of Africa,” said Isaac Kalumbu, program manager. “We have relied heavily on them for processing undergraduate applications and for the final selection of qualified candidates.”
“The Scholars are such outstanding representatives for Michigan State,” said Smith. “Working with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at MSU has been the greatest joy of my professional career!”
“Our MCFSP applicants demonstrate not only academic talent, but determination, grit, and resilience in finding paths to MSU in order to fulfill their dreams of making a difference in their home countries,” noted Croom.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Staff at MSU Chinwe Effiong
Isaac Kalumbu
Assistant Dean
Program Manager
Sheba Onchiri
Laura Wise
Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Youth Empowerment Programs Office of the Dean 205 International Center Phone: 517-355-2350 Email: mcfdean@msu.edu
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 124 International Center Phone: 517-884-0516 Email: kalumbu@msu.edu
Specialist/Advisor
Career Development Manager
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 124 International Center Phone: 517-884-5988 Email: onchiris@msu.edu
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 124 International Center Phone: 517-884-2156 Email: LauraW@msu.edu
Jackie Thomas,
Carrie Hatcher
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 124 International Center Phone: 517-884-2129 Email: thomasjm@msu.edu
International Studies and Programs 205 International Center Phone: 517-432-7139 Email: hatche34@msu.edu
Administrative Assistant
Assistant Director of Finance
Scholars Council Representative Jackline Umurerwa Every year, Scholars at MSU select a new Scholars Council Representative to serve on the network-wide Mastercard Foundation Scholars Council. Jackline Umurerwa, an undergraduate Scholar studying nursing (‘19), has been elected as the new Scholars Council Representative. Jackline will serve her fellow Scholars by representing them and their needs at Scholars Council meetings, while acting as a liaison between the Scholars and staff at MSU.
Director of International Admissions Patty Croom (right) chats with undergraduate Scholar Momodou “Gobi” Bah (‘18) (far left).
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(From left) alumnus William Njobvu (‘17), current undergraduate Scholar Samuel Phiri (‘19), and alumus Aaron Chikakuda (‘17) celebrate with Admissions Counselor Alex Smith.
“I wish to act as a bridge between the Scholars and the administration, but I also really hope to connect the Scholars to one another. It’s important that they have opportunities to bond and network with each other,” Jackline said. “I’m also planning to introduce new volunteering opportunities to the scholars, while facilitating a Scholar-run mentorship program.”
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Class of 2017 www.mcfscholars.isp.msu.edu
www.mastercardfdn.org
www.bit.ly/2si4GDo
www.twitter.com/MSUMCFS
www.facebook.com/MSUMCFScholars
www.msumcf.wordpress.com
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Michigan State University International Center 427 N. Shaw Lane, Suite 124 East Lansing MI 48824-1035