Eastern Michigan University receives funding from Whirlpool Corporation for scholarships and programs

Eastern Michigan University has received $45,000 from Whirlpool Corporation in support of two different scholarships and student activities. The funding will directly assist students in terms of both financial assistance and in going toward creating a memorable event for their enjoyment: Black Homecoming.

According to an article on Eastern Michigan University’s website, Asia Wimbush-Sherrod, who serves as the senior manager of DEI Strategy and Early Career Talent Acquisition at Whirlpool, explained why Whirlpool donated to the university in this capacity. Wimbush-Sherrod is quoted as saying, “We are pleased to work with top educational institutions like Eastern Michigan University as part of our ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive and diverse workforce. As a company focused on improving life at home, we are excited to hear how students continue to feel at home at Eastern Michigan University and how our continued partnership in programming and scholarships helps students pave the way to a brighter future.”

The funding from Whirlpool Corporation came to Eastern Michigan University for three specific needs and the $45,000 was divided among them.

First, $25,000 went to fund 10 $2,500 scholarships for the Whirlpool Brotherhood Sisterhood Scholars. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood Scholars Program, which is a program within the school’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is, according to its webpage, an organization that works to “instill a strong sense of community, embolden students to strengthen their academic performance and stamina on their path toward degree completion.” The program is open to all, though individuals from underrepresented backgrounds might find the most meaning within its programming. The scholarship, which is funded by Whirlpool, is for students who are members of the Brotherhood and Sisterhood Scholars Program and are transitioning from their first year of college to their second.

Another $10,000 from Whirlpool Corporation went to help fund the Eastern Michigan University Black Alumni (EMUBA) Endowed Scholarship, of which the chapter’s president Shetina Jones, PhD, said, “The Black Alumni Chapter is ecstatic to have the generous donation to our endowed scholarship. This will benefit our EMU Eagles and help them persist towards graduation.”

The final $10,000 of Whirlpool Corporation’s support went to EMU’s Black Homecoming. Whirlpool is sponsoring a number of the events within the celebration, including the Black Alumni Mixer and The Divine Nine Game Day Kickoff March, which will occur on October 17 and October 19, respectively.

Dwight Hamilton, who serves as the school’s chief diversity officer, shared his gratitude for the financial support, saying, “On behalf of the university, I’d like to thank Whirlpool for their generosity. This gift will support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging focused programs and initiatives within the university that are extremely important and valuable to helping students achieve their goals of graduating and pursuing careers. I commend Whirlpool for assisting us in the creation of opportunities for all people.”

For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the school’s website.