Kemper Scholars contribute in business, non-profit sectors

Thu, July 29, 2010 |

Two Valparaiso University students are serving various roles in the business and non-profit sectors this summer as they take part in the prestigious Kemper Scholars program.

Andrew Jarratt, a junior computer science and humanities major from Grafton, Wis., is working with Chicago Public Television (WTTW-TV) and a classical radio station in the city (WFMT-FM) funded solely by memberships and foundation support.

"Working in the public broadcast sector, I have learned the processes of writing proposals and progress reports for grants from different charitable foundations, as well as working on the ever-popular pledge drives," said Jarratt. " I have learned how charitable foundations run and how important generosity is to organizations, and I know now that when I go into business, hopefully in a technological field, that building relationships with the community and making ethical decisions is a top priority."

Emily Von Qualen, a senior sociology and environmental science major from Carroll, Iowa, is working in the human resources department at Syngenta, one of the world's leading agribusiness companies.

"The internship is giving me a better understanding of what human resources entails and how a large corporation operates, while improving my research, writing, interviewing, computer and networking skills," said Von Qualen. "My greater knowledge of the business world ultimately translates into a better understanding of the world, which will be helpful in law, service work or the business world, and the internship has also opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in human resources law."

The Kemper scholarship-mentorship program prepares a select group of students at leading institutions of higher education for leadership and service, particularly in the fields of administration and business. The program has been sponsored by the James S. Kemper Foundation of Chicago since 1948 with the aim of promoting the undergraduate study of liberal arts as the best preparation for life and career. Kemper Scholars combine their education in the liberal arts with opportunities for career exploration and practical experience through internships.

Both Von Qualen and Jarratt are in Valpo's honors college (Christ College), and Christ College Dean Mel Piehl said both have been superb students.

"Emily Von Qualen is a genuine leader who has contributed substantially to campus social service groups as well as the life of the Chapel of the Resurrection," Piehl said. "Emily has taken full advantage of her Kemper Scholar internships in Chicago and the Twin Cities, and has prepared herself well for the kind of significant future in organizational leadership that the Kemper Foundation values."

"Andrew Jarratt is exactly the kind of highly talented and well rounded young person that the Kemper Foundation seeks and that Valpo educates," Piehl said. "As a double major in both computer science and humanities as well as in Christ College, the honors college, Andrew exemplifies intellectual versatility and thoughtful commitment to using his multiple gifts to the fullest."

As Kemper Scholars, Jarratt and Von Qualen each receive an annual scholarship during their sophomore, junior and senior years of college, as well as grants for summer internships at non-profit and for-profit organizations of their choice anywhere in the world.

Last summer Von Qualen worked in the non-profit sector at a small entrepreneurial company in Washington D.C., and next summer Jarratt plans to work at a large technology corporation to develop his project management skills.