OCB Discovery Day
Nov. 16, 2024
Application Deadline
Jan. 6, 2025
Scholarship Day for Finalists
Feb. 22, 2025
Scholarship Winners Announced
March 2025
Become a GHR Fellow
GHR FELLOWS PROGRAM
The GHR Fellows program is a highly competitive, transformational undergraduate experience for students pursuing careers in business. GHR Fellows receive full-tuition scholarships to the University of St. Thomas and customized programming designed to deliver leadership experiences - including global exposure.
Established by the GHR Foundation, the GHR Fellows program reflects the spirit of Gerry Rauenhorst, who believed that entrepreneurial creativity inspires solutions that improve lives. Fellows graduate as principled leaders capable of creating enduring value for society.
Students will explore their leadership potential through the lens of the Four Pillars that defined Gerry Rauenhorst's impactful life as a business leader, community advocate and problem solver.
How to Become a GHR Fellow
Become a GHR Fellow
We are looking for student leaders in academics and service, creative problem solvers, and big thinkers. Our GHR Fellows act with integrity, live inclusively, value difference and are committed to the success of others. We're looking for students who:
- Incoming first-year undergraduate students pursuing a business degree
- Demonstrates academic achievement (preference given to students with a GPA 3.7 and above)
- Embodies the mission and values of the University of St. Thomas
- Models the values of GHR Foundation
How To Apply
To apply to be a GHR Fellow, you'll follow this process:
- Apply to the University of St. Thomas via our St. Thomas Application or the Common App.
- Apply for the GHR Fellows Scholarship in our St. Thomas Admissions Application Portal.
- If selected as a finalist, you'll attend the GHR Fellows Scholarship Day activities in February.
If you are an international student, first log in to your admissions portal and apply for the GHR Fellows Scholarship in our St. Thomas Admission Application Portal.
We invite educators and community representatives to nominate candidates for the GHR Fellows Scholarship program. While a nomination is not required for a student to apply, we know that educators and community leaders have good insights into candidates who possess the qualities we are seeking.
It will the responsibility of the student/nominee to complete all application steps within the required timeframe to secure their place in the GHR Fellows Scholarship program applicant pool.
Program Benefits
- Four-year, full-tuition scholarship* (and may, pending demonstrated financial need, receive grant funds that assist with room and board costs).
- A fully-funded J-Term study abroad experience
- Four-year cohort program with other GHR Fellows
- Individual career coaching and preparation
- Service-learning and social entrepreneurship opportunities
- Access to C-suite business, community and university leaders
*Full tuition scholarships awarded competitively will result in the cancellation of other merit scholarships initially offered. Other financial aid will be adjusted, if required. Aid from all sources may not exceed the annual cost of attendance.
Student Experience
Cohort Outings
Cohort outings play an essential role toward building a tight community for the GHR Fellows. Outings will focus on relationship/team building, leadership development to enhance career readiness, GHR Fellows program pillar exploration, cultural, social and service outings, and more.
J-Term Study Abroad
This fully-funded experience is a unique element of the program and offers a rich opportunity for a cohort-based, intensive learning to develop leadership, project management and problem solving skills.
Personal and Professional Development
GHR Fellows are provided a number of personal and professional development opportunities, such as business etiquette training, facilitated access to C-suite leaders, mentorship, individualized development plans, and more.
Capstone
GHR Fellows complete a capstone project intentionally crafted to integrate and communicate learning between the GHR Fellows Program and their academic discipline.
Cohort Seminars
GHR Fellows explore the program pillars in a series of seminars specially sequenced to meet the student development goals of the program. Seminars feature guest speakers from the GHR and St. Thomas networks, the business community, the public sector and the local community.
Cohort Outings
Cohort outings play an essential role toward building a tight community for the GHR Fellows. Outings will focus on relationship/team building, leadership development to enhance career readiness, GHR Fellows program pillar exploration, cultural, social and service outings, and more.
J-Term Study Abroad
This fully-funded experience is a unique element of the program and offers a rich opportunity for a cohort-based, intensive learning to develop leadership, project management and problem solving skills.
Personal and Professional Development
GHR Fellows are provided a number of personal and professional development opportunities, such as business etiquette training, facilitated access to C-suite leaders, mentorship, individualized development plans, and more.
Capstone
GHR Fellows complete a capstone project intentionally crafted to integrate and communicate learning between the GHR Fellows Program and their academic discipline.
Cohort Seminars
GHR Fellows explore the program pillars in a series of seminars specially sequenced to meet the student development goals of the program. Seminars feature guest speakers from the GHR and St. Thomas networks, the business community, the public sector and the local community.
Student Testimonials
Ben Hogan
GHR Fellow
"St. Thomas itself emphasizes 'Business for the Common Good' and GHR extends that branch and asks us to put it into practice daily. I admire GHR and the university for those principles and the accessibility to build a network that will help me achieve my goals but goals that benefit the world and the communities that I experience."
Himani Joshi
GHR Fellow
"The GHR Fellows program has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and has provided me with a supportive community of leaders to grow and thrive within the University of St. Thomas."
GHR Fellows Pillars
Principled Business Leadership
GHR Fellows will possess the skills necessary to act ethically as business leaders and citizens. As Fellows for Life, they will model personal responsibility, selflessness, resiliency, team building and transparency - they will serve society and choose what is right over what is easy.
Entrepreneurial, Innovative Mindset
GHR Fellows will live as creative problem solvers and leaders in innovation. They will become entrepreneurial thinkers whose ideas create sustainable businesses, jobs and value in the community.
Global Understanding and Agility
GHR Fellows will integrate a global perspective as they utilize their skills in self-awareness, intercultural understanding, social responsibility, strategic thinking and risk taking as business leaders and citizens.
Engagement in Community and Philanthropy to Advance the Common Good
A core value of the University of St. Thomas, GHR Fellows will graduate from the program with a charge to lead and serve as Changemakers for Good. GHR Fellows will accept a lifelong responsibility to mobilize and influence others and to serve as role models for future generations.
Program Leadership
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council advises program leadership on the vision, strategy and programming associated with the GHR Fellows student experience. They serve as advocates for the program, helping students with corporate and community connections. The Council is comprised of notable members of the local business and philanthropic communities, as well as the St. Thomas and GHR Foundation executive leadership team.
Adrian Perryman
Program Director
The program director guides all aspects of your experience as a GHR Fellow by facilitating cohort programming, professional development workshops and special events. The program director also helps Fellows make leadership and community connections, gain access to exciting internships and make the most of their time at St. Thomas.
Kristine DeVinck
Faculty Director
The faculty director provides direction to students in academic planning and sequencing associated with the unique elements of the GHR Fellows program. The faculty director serves as a bridge for all academic departments and assists with arrangements for key elements of the GHR Fellows academic experience.