SVSU students wrap up a “project of love” — a service project creating memory boards for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients at Covenant Glen of Frankenmuth as part of the Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship Program of Distinction.
Bella Hazen, a third-year physical education health major and Roberts Fellow, said the project serves the community in several ways.
“The purpose is not only to create something sentimental for the patients and their families, but also to spark conversations with the caretakers and build stronger bonds,” she said.
Each year, the Roberts Fellowship selects 10 students who are required to attend weekly seminars and carry out year-long service projects in two groups. During the first semester, each group decides how it wants to serve the community. They make a proposal, and by the second semester, they put the plan to action.
Shane Fulcher, a fourth-year political science major, added that the project offers deeper meaning for caregivers.
“The caretakers now have something to relate to with patients who may not remember much about their lives,” Fulcher said. “Hopefully, it’s something that will really make an impact on them moving forward.”
The idea for the project came from Anna Cannon, a junior Roberts Fellow and cellular and molecular biology major, who works at Covenant Glen. To create the memory boards, the group worked closely with families to gather photos and stories from each patient’s life.
“[Cannon] was talking with someone we worked with on the project, and they called it a ‘project of love,’” Fulcher said. “I thought that was a really powerful phrase because he saw the impact this project could have on the families.”
Although the group completed their fourth and final board on Friday, April 12, they hope the project will continue beyond their time at SVSU to benefit future residents at Covenant Glen.
David Nichols, Ph.D., a professor of philosophy and assistant to the program’s director, praised the students’ work. He is set to take over as director of the Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship starting next year.
“This year the service projects were particularly meaningful to the people served,” Nichols said.
The second fellowship group developed a program called “Seeds for Success” at the Mustard Seed Shelter in Saginaw, which equips women with tools for financial stability and emotional resilience, Nichols added.
“I’d say this has been the most significant part of the fellowship so far — getting to learn about their histories and how rich their lives have been,” Hazen said. “Being able to learn from that and be a part of it is incredibly inspiring.”
Each year, the Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship Program of Distinction selects ten SVSU students who’ve met specific criteria: they’ve maintained a GPA above 3.4, submitted an essay the board deems exemplary, and then completed an interview with the entire board present. The class of ‘27 has been selected and announced.
David Nichols, Ph.D., a professor of philosophy and assistant to the program’s director, has been active in the program for about ten years. He is stepping up as director of the program as Dr. Julie Foss, the current director, is retiring from the program.
“Next year will be the 27th year of the Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship. Since its inception, the program was designed to identify students with great potential for leadership who need resources and mentorship to think differently about themselves.”
Throughout the year, the ten Fellows attend a weekly seminar on Friday mornings where they are assigned readings. A Fellow is then chosen to lead the discussion to hone their communication and public speaking skills, Nichols said.
Natalie Anderson, a fifth-year international studies major, is a current Fellow.
“I would say that anyone can, anyone can do it. It takes patience, and there is a lot of work, but it’s worth any sort worth I’ve always given advice to people who justify it’s just to be yourself. That’s what they want. That’s what we need. Is to be themselves. Definitely you.”
“The Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship is a rare opportunity for SVSU students, and one worth applying for. This program is always looking for students who like to be challenged to become better versions of themselves, as American citizens and global citizens.”
Aside from discussions, they have to complete a year-long service project.
“It is a rewarding experience to work with SVSU’s brightest and most capable students. I think of them as the cream of the crop, but also students with unrealized potential,” he said.
In May, the Fellows take an all-paid international trip to East Asia to act as ambassadors for SVSU at partnering universities. There, they will have the opportunity to speak with SVSU’s contacts from Ming Chuan University, Shikoku University, and Shih Hsin University.
The class of ‘26 might be ending their time as a fellow, but there will alloys be opportunities to mentor the next class of Fellows.
Class of ‘27 Roberts Fellows:
Mishel Christie
Eric Dahley
Sophia Dreamer-Acevedo
Lila Duvendack
Zachary Green
Luke Hanson
Muhammadi Sayid Kabiito
Rameka Pollard
Lauryn Rousseau
Isaac Zamora-Ayres
