Opus College of Business Home
Favorites ()
Apply
GHR Fellows pose together outside Anderson Student Center.

Become a GHR Fellow

GHR FELLOWS PROGRAM

Join a community that is ethically minded, innovative, community engaged and globally aware.

The GHR Fellows program is a highly competitive, transformational undergraduate experience for students pursuing careers in business. 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.

Contact

Brad Pulles

GHR Fellows Program Director
Email
ghrfellows@stthomas.edu

Apply

GHR Fellows pose together in formal wear.

Become a GHR Fellow

We are looking for high achievers – leaders in academics and service, creative problem solvers, and big thinkers. We want a cohort of doers – members who act with integrity, live inclusively, value difference, and are committed to the success of others. We seek Fellows from ALL backgrounds. We want applicants who will completely immerse themselves in the experiences we have planned and serve as engaged alumni – GHR Fellows for Life.

GHR Fellows speak with advisors.

Criteria

  • Incoming first-year undergraduate students pursuing a business degree
  • Demonstrates superior academic achievement (minimum GPA 3.7)
  • Embodies the mission and values of the University of St. Thomas
  • Models the values of GHR by demonstrating that you are ethical, innovative, globally aware and engaged in your community
GHR Fellows make funny faces and pose together outside of Anderson Student Center.

How To Apply


  • Submit responses to essay prompts
  • Secure two letters of recommendation
  • If selected as a finalist, attend the GHR Fellows Scholarship Day activities in February, which involves meeting with program leaders and faculty, an interview with the scholarship committee, and participation in a group exercise.
GHR Fellows Program Director Brad Pulles speaks with Fellows and their parents at a dinner.

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.

Nominate a Student
GHR Fellow program benefits overview video

Program Benefits

  • Full tuition and required fees for four years (and may, pending demonstrated financial need, receive grant funds that assist with room and board costs).
  • A fully funded J-Term study abroad experience
  • A customized 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

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.

Student Testimonials

Ben Hogan headshot

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 headshot

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."

Student Experience

  • Cohort Seminars
  • Cohort Outings
  • J-Term Study Abroad
  • Capstone

    • 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 towards building a tight community for the GHR Fellows. Outings will focus on relationship/team building, GHR Fellows program pillar exploration, cultural and social outings, service outings, and more.

    J-Term Study Abroad

    GHR Fellows embark on this adventure during their second year. This fully-funded, unique element of the program offers a rich opportunity for a cohort-based, intensive learning to develop leadership, project management and problem solving skills.

    Capstone

    GHR Fellows complete a rigorous and relevant capstone project intentionally crafted to integrate and communicate learning between the GHR Fellows Program and their academic discipline with a resume-building opportunity to apply GHR’s Design/Build for Good model that identifies, develops and implements a solution that addresses a pressing community need.

    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 towards building a tight community for the GHR Fellows. Outings will focus on relationship/team building, GHR Fellows program pillar exploration, cultural and social outings, service outings, and more.

    J-Term Study Abroad

    GHR Fellows embark on this adventure during their second year. This fully-funded, unique element of the program offers a rich opportunity for a cohort-based, intensive learning to develop leadership, project management and problem solving skills.

    Capstone

    GHR Fellows complete a rigorous and relevant capstone project intentionally crafted to integrate and communicate learning between the GHR Fellows Program and their academic discipline with a resume-building opportunity to apply GHR’s Design/Build for Good model that identifies, develops and implements a solution that addresses a pressing community need.

    Personal and Professional Development

    GHR Fellows gain access to a variety of exclusive opportunities that prepare them for success long after their time at St. Thomas.
    The GHR Fellows program provides access to a variety of assessments to help students explore career interests, talents, soft skills and communication and work styles to develop their strengths as future leaders.
    Develop self-confidence and the situational awareness to represent themselves, the GHR Fellows Program and the University of St. Thomas in the most professional light possible. Fellows observe leaders and practice in real-world environments.
    The University of St. Thomas provides robust career development offerings, and GHR Fellows get direct access to career services team members.
    Gain access to high-caliber business leaders, such as the St. Thomas Board of Trustees, the GHR Foundation and the program’s Advisory Council leadership, the Opus College of Business Board of Governors, C-suite executives, notable alumni, industry experts and others.
    Visit various sites that align with the GHR Fellows program pillars, and experience opportunities for leadership development to enhance career readiness.
    Lean into leadership opportunities within the program. Positions on a GHR Fellows Student Advisory Board support the ongoing growth, evolution and innovation of the program by developing strategy and taking action to create program enhancements and engagement opportunities that are effective, impactful and fun.
    Engage in individual development planning to drive personal growth. Fellows take primary responsibility for identifying goals and opportunities, and for managing their plans. Mentors, community leaders, the St. Thomas Career Development Center, university staff and the GHR Fellows program director act as partners in the process.

    Enjoy direct access to highly successful executives and grow a strong network. Principled, professional mentors provide Fellows with guidance, support and access to resources to enhance their development. GHR Fellows also engage in peer mentoring, in which older GHR Fellows support new Fellows in their transition to college and the program.

    Through unique case narratives, photos and samples of their work, GHR Fellows can build impressive portfolios to share with prospective employers throughout their time at St. Thomas. 

    Program Leadership

    Group shot of the GHR Advisory Council and GHR Fellows at Anderson Student Center.

    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.
    Brad Pulles headshot

    Brad Pulles

    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 headshot

    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.

    Learn More