ISM student one of four statewide awarded $5,000 industry scholarship
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University student Lynsey DeGraaf, an integrated supply management major from Parchment, is one of only four students statewide to receive the prestigious $5,000 Transportation Club of Detroit scholarship for 2015, awarded for scholastic achievements, personal character and professional interest.
"I was incredibly humbled, relieved and very excited all at the same time," DeGraaf says. "It is such an honor to be recognized for my hard work, and it is a great relief to not have to worry about how I'm going to pay for my last semester at WMU."
Honors are not new to DeGraaf. In addition to this most recent accolade, DeGraaf was named the ISM presidential scholar for 2015, the highest academic honor that WMU can bestow on its undergraduates. She was also a finalist in the 2015 Haworth College of Business Trailblazer program, recognizing business students who are fundamental parts of campus and the community.
"Lynsey is a clear leader in our program and is a motivated and committed student who is willing to go above and beyond to achieve success in the supply chain field," says Dr. Sime Curkovic, professor of integrated supply management. "More importantly, she brings out the best in others because she puts them ahead of herself."
Three-year streak
This is the third year in a row a student from WMU has received a scholarship from the Transportation Club of Detroit. In 2014, Sean Perkins of Kalamazoo earned the honor; in 2013, Chad Niemchick of Hopkins was the recipient.
DeGraaf says the program's three-year streak is due to the reputation of the program, its national rankings and the program's focus on professional experience and internships, which are required of all majors. During her time at WMU, DeGraaf has worked as a buyer and production planner at Flowserve and as the team leader in an industry project at Eaton Corp. as part of a course. She currently works in the ISM program's consulting service, Bronco Force, and expects to graduate in December.
A ceremony honoring the recipients will be held in October during the Transportation Club of Detroit's 32nd Annual Scholarship Dinner, where students will receive their awards.
About the program
DeGraaf's award follows a series of accolades for the ISM program that includes being ranked No. 5 in the nation for undergraduate supply chain education. As part of this ranking by Gartner, the program was identified as the leader in undergraduate curriculum, citing the program's blend of engineering, information technology and business education. This spring, the program's coursework received a No. 2 ranking in the nation by Software Advice for its emphasis on teaching technology, software and quantitative tools in its undergraduate program.
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