A dozen students were selected to participate in the 2023 (CGI U) a community of young leaders dedicated to developing innovative solutions to the world most pressing problems. Nicholas Becker 25, Abemelech Mesfin Belachew 24, Manusmriti Budhathoki 24, Deepak Krishnaa Govindarajan 25, Benita Manzengo 24, Lara Matuck 25, Prana Mohanty 25, Marcus Naess 23, Madelyn Powell 23, Soobin Rho 24, Henry Sule 24 and Mariam Wisaal 24 will attend CGI U 15th annual meeting at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 3-5.
It exciting to see students selected for this premier opportunity, said Assistant Vice Provost of Student Success & Engagement Billie Streufert, who serves as Augustana CGI U liaison. The CGI U offers invaluable leadership skills and the opportunity to make a positive social impact that benefits communities. Through ongoing mentoring and professional development, the students will be prepared for distinctive vocational service.
Throughout the 3-day meeting, students will hear from leaders across the business, public service and social impact sectors, participate in a Day of Action and hear inspirational stories from trailblazers and innovators at the frontlines of global challenges at CGI U Story Studio. Students will also hear from the hosts of CGI U former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton.
CGI U allows our students to take their big, innovative and possibly world-changing ideas to a community of global mentors, said Dr. David OHara, professor of philosophy, classics & environmental studies and director of environmental studies & sustainability, who also serves as Augustana CGI U mentor. Here, on campus, they have faculty who can get them started; CGI U allows them to take the next step in launching their ideas into the world.
This is the first time in five years that the CGI U annual meeting will be held in person. Last year, Courtney Chrystal 23 and Giselle Mawadri 22 were selected to represent Augustana virtually in the 2022 CGI U.
To learn more about elite scholarship opportunities at Augustana, visit augie.edu/EliteScholarships.