November 10, 2025

SVSU recognized for commitment to Promise students

Saginaw Valley State University has been honored for its commitment to the success of first-generation, first-experience Promise Scholars. SVSU President George Grant Jr accepted the Chuck Wilbur Promise Keeper Award, presented by the Michigan Promise Zones Association and Michigan College Access Network, Tuesday, Nov. 4, during the College Access Impact Awards Dinner, held in conjunction with MCAN’s 14th annual conference.

The Chuck Wilbur Promise Keeper Award recognizes an individual and an organization that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in the work of supporting free college tuition, technical training and high-quality certifications.

The promise zones’ Board of Directors selected SVSU because of the university’s support to first-generation and first-experience Promise Scholars as they transition into college life. SVSU offers students a variety of services and resources – such as personalized advising, mentoring and academic supports – to help them build confidence, develop strong academic habits and connect with the campus community. These supports help students adjust successfully to SVSU and thrive throughout their college journey.

SVSU was nominated for the award by Pontiac Promise Zone, one of 14 promise zones in Michigan.

In addition to nominating SVSU for the Promise Keeper Award, the Pontiac Promise Zone recognized Michelle Stanley, associate director of undergraduate admissions at SVSU, with its Champion Award in October.

Promise Zones are place-based scholarship initiatives designed to increase educational attainment and spur economic growth in a community. Inspired by the success of the Kalamazoo Promise, the country’s first universal scholarship program for an entire community, the State of Michigan enacted Promise Zone legislation in 2009 to become the first – and, to date, only – state in the nation to promote the creation of place-based scholarship initiatives. Disadvantaged students who receive Promise scholarships and attend college are better able to close the achievement gap, leading to greater success and higher earnings.