When Michael Pellican ’28 found out he’d been named a VFIC Presidential Scholar, it took him some time to wrap his head around it.
“It was a complete surprise,” Pellican, a political science major from Bedford, Virginia, said. “I was in shock for a good second there. I was not expecting that.”
This past summer, Pellican was one of 17 college and university students from across Virginia selected for the inaugural cohort of the VFIC Presidential Scholars Program, a new initiative of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges.
According to the VFIC, the program is “designed to develop the next generation of values-based leaders across Virginia’s independent colleges and universities.” It’s aimed at second-year students who “exemplify outstanding leadership, a commitment to service, and a passion for strengthening their communities.”
Being a VFIC President Scholar comes with a host of benefits. Pellican received a $10,000 scholarship for each of the next three years, and there will be mentorship opportunities with the University’s president, Dr. Sally Selden.
He’ll participate in leadership seminars, including an upcoming CliftonStrengths workshop with other VFIC Presidential Scholars, and networking opportunities with VFIC trustees and leaders from the nonprofit, business, and government sectors.
The program also funds a study abroad, internship, research project, or other experiential learning opportunity. “I don’t think it’s really set in, how big this is,” Pellican said in mid-September. “I don’t think I’ve fully grasped how good this is.”
Pellican was nominated for the program by one of his professors, Dr. David Richards, associate professor of humanities and social sciences and chair of the international relations and political science department.
“He’s the kind of kid that could probably benefit from this because he’s not going to ask for it himself,” Richards said. “Especially in political science, we have lots of students who put their hands up quickly — go-getters.
“That’s what I love, but occasionally, you see this student who has some potential, so I put his name in there.”
Richards added that he also remembers times in his own life when someone “gave me opportunities and I wasn’t always the one that was out front.”
Pellican said he looks forward to meeting people, making connections, and improving his social skills as a VFIC Presidential Scholar. “Some professor saw something in me, so I want to live up to that,” he said.
About the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges:
Established in 1952, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges advances the distinctive values and strengths of Virginia’s leading independent colleges and universities. VFIC represents a consortium of 17 institutions committed to providing an exceptional education in highly personalized learning environments.
VFIC’s mission is to ensure that academically qualified students — many of whom are first-generation college students — can attend an independent college regardless of financial circumstances. Through strategic fundraising, partnerships, and student-centered programs, VFIC has provided more than $183 million in support to its member institutions and their students since its founding.
