William Allen

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“My graduate degree will provide an opportunity to further stretch myself intellectually and contribute to solutions of critical development issues.”

  • Program: 2009 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Hometown: Unionville, Michigan

Biography

PROFILE: April 2, 2009, was a proud day for Graduate Scholar William “Will” Allen and his parents, Reverend and Mrs. Michael Allen. On that day, the young man bound for the University of Oxford received Alma College’s Barlow Trophy, the highest honor awarded to a graduating senior. A short look at Will’s sterling résumé and it’s easy to see why his selection was a slam dunk by the nominating committee. In addition to a 3.9 grade point average, Will’s record of service to the college and community was unparalleled. Will, who was born in Korea, but came to the US before his second birthday, received a scholarship to work with an organization in Texas, developing a school in Juarez, Mexico for low-income girls. In addition, he created “Project Able,” which aimed to increase disability awareness on the Alma College campus and he involved himself in a number of other college-related service projects. Described by peers and faculty members alike as “brilliant and passionate”, Will is committed to becoming a voice for the world’s disadvantaged peoples. 

INSPIRATION: Dr. Edward Lorenz, one of Will’s advisors at Alma, “continues to inspire me by his living example of social justice and advocacy.” Collaborating with Dr. Lorenz on several projects, Will learned much from his endless optimism and philosophy that some of the best results come “by accident.”
 
ASPIRATION: Will said Oxford will prepare him for a career conducting community-level research in developing states. Immediately following graduate school he hopes to enter the Junior Professional Officer Programme with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: At Alma, Will participated in “The Common Table Project”, which examined the implications of globalization on rural farmers in Mexico. After conducting field research in Chihuahua, Will led a team of undergraduates in organizing a conference at Alma involving US and Mexican representatives.

ACCOLADES: In addition to the Barlow Trophy, Will was the 2008 recipient of the Michigan Campus Compact Commitment to Service Award. He was also recently named one of three finalists for the 2009 Sigma Chi International Balfour Award, presented to the top graduating member in the organization who demonstrates character and service.

INTERESTING FACT: In February of 2009, Will sang with Alma College’s male a cappella group “Scots on the Rocks” in Times Square and on The Today Show.

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