Wallenberg Fellowship

Introduction

Inspired by the spirit of Raoul Wallenberg, the Wallenberg Fellowship is awarded in the spring of each year to a graduating University of Michigan senior of exceptional promise and accomplishment who is committed to service and the public good.

The fellowship provides $25,000 to carry out an independent project of learning or exploration anywhere in the world during the year after graduation.

The Fellow will engage in a self-designed and self-directed area of exploration or project of experiential learning. Through an active and immersive year-long experience, and by connecting in meaningful ways with the lives of other people and communities, the Wallenberg Fellow will prepare to make a difference in the world.

The fellowship was created through a gift by U-M alumnus Bert Askwith and his daughter Patti Kenner in honor of former U-M president Mary Sue Coleman. Donations will help us sustain and extend this fellowship opportunity.

History of Raoul Wallenberg

The Fellowship honors Raoul Wallenberg (B.S. Arch. ’35), one of the most illustrious graduates of the University of Michigan.

At U-M, Wallenberg was recognized for the excellence of his academic work, his eagerness for knowledge of the world and for understanding others, and for his intrepid independence and resourcefulness. He left Ann Arbor resolved to be actively engaged in life. Ten years later, as a Swedish diplomat during World War II, Wallenberg coordinated the rescue of tens of thousands of Jews in Budapest. He disappeared after he was arrested by Soviet authorities.

One of the great heroes of the 20th century, Raoul Wallenberg shows that even under the most daunting circumstances, one person can make a difference.

The Wallenberg Legacy at U-M

U-M parents Jon and Lili Bosse have provided a generous gift to initiate the Wallenberg Fellowship. U-M alumnus Bert Askwith (BA 1931) and his daughter Patti Kenner generously created the Mary Sue Coleman Endowed Fund for the Raoul Wallenberg Fellowship to support future generations of Michigan students who are inspired by Wallenberg's legacy and to honor President Coleman's leadership during her tenure at U-M.

Staying in Touch

The Wallenberg Fellow will have a University of Michigan advisor throughout the year. The Fellow is encouraged to share reflections and evaluate the project regularly during the year, and to consult with the advisor about problems or difficulties. 

The advisor must be notified in advance of significant changes in plans or itinerary. If a change in plans is necessary, this should be in the spirit of the original proposal. The Fellow must also seek prior approval before expending $1,000 or more from Fellowship funds for purposes not in the project proposal.

At the end of the Fellowship, the Fellow will provide a final report on activities and expenses, which should include the materials prepared as part of "Contributing to the Michigan/Wallenberg Tradition" above.

Questions? 

Please direct questions about the Wallenberg Fellowship to your Campus Contact or email wallenbergfellowship@umich.edu.