EMU Today

YPSILANTI – The Women in Philanthropy at Eastern Michigan University (WIP) has awarded more than $40,000 to eleven students and faculty for initiatives proposing educational opportunities, innovative ideas and plans to strengthen the campus community in 2018.

Established in 2010, WIP-EMU is an organization of faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University.

The organization offers financial support for proposals by employees, University-sponsored alumni and alumni groups, faculty-sponsored students, and University recognized student groups without regard to gender.

Since its conception, the organization has awarded nearly 70 grants and more than $325,000.

The grant program aims to support projects that:

1. Enhance learning opportunities for Eastern Michigan University faculty, staff, alumni and/or students.
2. Improve the Eastern Michigan University climate through collaborative efforts.
3. Foster creativity and innovation as it relates to Eastern Michigan University.
4. Improve communication among diverse groups within the Eastern Michigan University community.

Selected proposals receive up to $5,000, which must be spent between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, 2018.

Winning projects are chosen by voting members of WIP-EMU, who are required to pledge $1,000 for a minimum of three consecutive years. Additional financial support for the organization comes from non-voting members and donors of one-time gifts.

“We’re thrilled to offer these awards to students and staff whose visions reflect the innovative and creative spirits of Eastern,” said Anne Balazs, interim dean of the College of Business and WIP President. “It’s always exciting to be a part of projects that improve the campus and community.”

Winners of the 2018 WIP Grant Awards are:

• Spencer Jennings (student): “Helping the Community Through Tax Returns - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.” ($1,000)
• Rebecca Martusewicz (faculty): “Supporting the EcoJustice and Activism Conference.” ($1,500)
• You Li (faculty): “Enhancing Digital Media Education at EMU.” ($3,000)
• Deborah Pae (faculty):. “The Formosa Quartet Residency at Eastern Michigan University.” ($3,090)
• Jeromy Hopgood (faculty): “Creating an EMU to Broadway Projection Design Pipeline.” ($3,898)
• Margaret Hanes (faculty): “Creating a Community-Building, Science-Based Meal Event.” ($4,100)
• Naomi Hashimoto (faculty): “Phonological Vocabulary Learning in Older Adults: Do Phonological Short Term Memory Abilities Play a Role?” ($4,920)
• Leah Van Landingham (student): “Children's Institute Sustainability Project.” ($5,000)
• Ken Saldanha (faculty): “Three-Day Summer Camp for Children of Migrant Farmworkers in Western Michigan.” ($5,000)
• Allison Boone Green (student): “Women, Leadership, and Change: Experiential Learning in Washington, D.C.” ($5,000)
• Kasim Korkmaz (faculty): “Workshop Series for Women on Opportunities in Construction Management.” ($5,000)

For more information, visit Women in Philanthropy at EMU.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.