Human resource management students win scholarships

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Two students at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business recently won competitive scholarships from the Society for Human Resource Management. Sarah Reynolds and Henry Thiry have received the national, merit-based $2,500 SHRM Foundation Undergraduate Academic Scholarship, which recognizes accomplishments, scholastic ability and leadership potential.

This year's field was very competitive. To have two WMU human resource management majors honored is a testament to the students' commitment to their career preparation and the excellent educational instruction and professional development opportunities provided by human resource management faculty and area professionals who support the program.

Sarah Reynolds

Sarah Reynolds' academic career has been marked by several key accomplishments that have expanded her knowledge of the human resources field, including:

• Serving as vice president for professional events for the Society for Excellence in Human Resources, WMU’s student chapter of SHRM.
• Participating on the 2019-20 SEHR social events committee.
• Landing an HR internship with Sherwin-Williams.
• Working currently as a talent agent with WSI.
• Earning first place in the 2020 SEHR Games, a Jeopardy-style team competition designed to test students' knowledge.
• Contributing as a mentor through the SEHR mentorship program.
• Serving as a student member of SHRM through SEHR and the Kalamazoo Human Resource Management Association, the local SHRM chapter.
• Being named to the dean's list during all semesters.

"I feel incredibly honored to be recognized on a national level for my accomplishments and passion for human resources. This scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and further grow as a leader. I cannot thank the Haworth College of Business enough for the resources and mentorship opportunities that have aided in my success as a student and future professional."

Henry Thiry

Henry Thiry's time at WMU has been full of impactful experiences where he has grown personally and professionally and helped others grow as well, including:

• Serving as Western Student Association vice president for community involvement in the 2020-21 academic year, as well as in spring 2018.
• Completing a summer analyst internship at DaVita Kidney Care in summer 2020, where he will be a full-time analyst in fall 2021.
• Receiving the Dr. Kimon Bournazos Memorial Scholarship for Human Resource Management in fall of 2020. 
• Serving as a member of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources. 
• Participating in the CIMBA study abroad program in Italy during fall 2019, where he also served as a resident assistant.
• Publishing a research essay in an English 1050 textbook in 2018: "Agricultural Revolution, to Dietary Hardship: An In-Depth Analysis of Prolonged Suffering Due to a Lack of Sustainable Food Availability."

"I am extremely thankful to have been selected to receive this scholarship," says Thiry. "Given the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of life are uncertain. This scholarship helps to assure that continuing my undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University will not stop. Being awarded this scholarship would not have been possible without excellent mentorship and academic instruction. Specifically, I would like to thank Ben Cohen of Rose Street Advisors, who served as a mentor to me through the Kalamazoo Human Resource Management Association mentorship program; Dr. Christina Stamper, professor of management, and Paula Eckert, instructor of management, for their guidance and helping to fuel my passion for the field."

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