Justin Weller

From Cardinal to Fulbright Scholar! Justin Weller, Class of 2021, made his mark at SVSU through Moot Court, Alternative Breaks, and the Robert Gilbertson Fellowship. Now he is preparing to head to Taiwan for a year for his Fulbright Scholarship! This is a full circle moment for Justin after his international trip to Taiwan with the Robert Gilbertson Fellowship was cancelled due to the pandemic. His journey is a great example of how SVSU helps to shape global citizens.

Justin's journey at SVSU began with a clear ambition: to become a lawyer. He immersed himself in Political Science while also exploring History and Psychology, which enriched his understanding of the world. A highlight of his experience was participating in Moot Court, where he and his partner, Lindsey Mead, enjoyed remarkable success, reaching nationals for three consecutive years.

His involvement on campus was extensive, ranging from the Law Club and the International Student Club to serving as a Resident Assistant and an Orientation Leader. Justin was also active in the Optimistic Club, Alternative Breaks, and the Robert Gilbertson Fellowship. Each of these experiences enriched his time at SVSU, steering him towards a broader vision for his future.

Through his coursework and extracurricular activities, Justin gained a new perspective on global citizenship. He recognized the importance of building connections across cultures. In his senior year, he made a pivotal decision: law school was not the path for him. Instead, after graduation, he dedicated two years to AmeriCorps, where he worked with low-income high school students. Guiding them through applications and FAFSA forms, he found immense fulfillment in sharing strategies for academic success and community engagement.

Following his time with AmeriCorps, Justin felt a strong pull toward a career in higher education. He enrolled at Michigan State University, where he earned a Master’s in Student Affairs Administration. The lessons he learned at SVSU about fostering global connections continued to resonate with him, shaping his ultimate aspiration: to earn a PhD and research the impact of global policies on education.

Now, he is on the cusp of an exciting new chapter. Justin has been named a finalist for the U.S. Department of State’s 2025-2026 Fulbright Scholarship, which will allow him to spend a year teaching English in Taiwan. For Justin, this opportunity is more than just a step toward his goal; it’s a deeply personal achievement. As a Robert Gilbertson Fellow, he was unable to participate in the international trip to China, Taiwan, and Japan due to the pandemic. Now, he’s thrilled to have the chance not only to visit but to live in Taiwan—a dream that has lingered since his days at SVSU.

Reflecting on his SVSU experience, Justin appreciates how the university encouraged him to embrace discomfort and step beyond his limits. The organizations and experiences he engaged with cultivated skills and resilience that he now carries forward as a Fulbright Scholar, committed to becoming a global citizen and making a positive impact in every community he encounters. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of daring to explore new horizons.

We know that you do amazing things, both personally and professionally, and we want to hear all about it. Whether you've landed your dream job, started your own business, or made a difference in your community, we want to celebrate your accomplishments and share your story with the world. We can't wait to hear from you!

Share Your Story/Class Notes

See All Alumni Stories