Opening doors for first-gen leaders

The Queller Leadership Scholars Program at Central Michigan University serves as a transformative initiative within the College of Business Administration, aimed at supporting and developing first-generation college students. Launched in Fall 2023 thanks to a gift from alumni Dave and Penny Queller, the program is designed to support first-generation college students by offering enriching experiences that promote leadership and professional growth.

 In addition to receiving a scholarship, participants meet weekly and engage in a variety of development opportunities, including leadership training, formal assessments, and mentorship. They also interact with business professionals through service projects, networking events, and guest speaker sessions, all while receiving guidance from those who have shared similar educational paths. Through scholarship support, mentorship, and immersive corporate and cultural experiences, the program supports academic achievement, career readiness, and personal growth.

 A vision for first-generation success

First-generation college students often face unique challenges, including limited access to professional networks and career development opportunities. In response to these challenges, CMU’s College of Business Administration established the Queller Leadership Scholars Program, made possible through the generous support of alumni Dave and Penny Queller. Now in its third cohort, the program is designed to empower business students of promise through a structured and supportive learning environment.

Leadership in action: Scholarship meets strategy

The Queller Leadership Scholars Program provides each participating student with a $1,500 scholarship. More than financial support, the program includes weekly leadership development sessions that feature guest speakers and interactive workshops. These sessions are designed to cultivate essential leadership competencies while fostering a sense of community among scholars. Students also engage in university-wide events, including CMU’s annual celebration of first-generation college students.

Seeing the possible: Expanding horizons for future leaders

To culminate the academic year, students in the 2024 cohort participated in a capstone trip to Atlanta, Georgia in spring of 2025. The primary objectives of this trip were to celebrate the students' achievements, facilitate mentorship with program benefactors Dave and Penny Queller, and create networking opportunities with CMU alumni in the Atlanta area.

During the visit, scholars had the unique opportunity to tour the corporate headquarters of three major companies: Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, and SiteOne Landscape Supply. These visits offered firsthand insight into the operations of global businesses and allowed students to visualize potential career paths within major corporations, as well as including discussions with CMU alumni who work there. In addition to professional visits, the group explored the city of Atlanta and attended a Major League Baseball game, allowing students to experience the cultural and social aspects of life in a major metropolitan area.

The Atlanta experience underscored the program’s broader mission: to expand students’ horizons and build confidence in their ability to thrive in corporate environments. As first-generation students, many participants had not previously envisioned themselves living or working in a large city or at a globally recognized firm.

As Amy McGinnis, a coordinator of the program, noted, “This year’s trip to Atlanta was empowering for our students. They explored the world headquarters of some large firms, heard from so many CMU alums, and expanded their professional networks.”

Seeds of leadership, roots of success

“My biggest takeaway from the program is the leadership skills I gained and was able to develop through leading meetings, networking with business professionals, and being a mentor for the new members,” said Queller Scholar Madison Zellar. “I would definitely recommend this program to whoever meets the requirements and is looking to gain leadership skills, expand their network, and have a lot of fun! Overall, this program has been a great experience, and it was an honor to be able to be a peer leader for the second cohort. Lastly, anyone who joins the program will be so lucky to have the Queller’s and Amy McGinnis as resources.”

The Queller Leadership Scholars Program exemplifies how targeted support and intentional programming can significantly influence the academic and professional trajectories of first-generation college students. By combining financial aid, leadership development, mentorship, and experiential learning, the program equips students with the tools and confidence needed to pursue ambitious goals. The continued support of alumni like Dave and Penny Queller ensures that promising business students at CMU are not only seen but celebrated.