Fund Your Degree

Created in honor of two incredible Thunderbird alumni, Dave Fisher and Mitch Kanai, this scholarship support students who strive for excellence and are committed to cultivating a global mindset.

Criteria:

• Continuing students welcome to apply
• Minimum GPA of 3.6 preferred but not required
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to internationalism, language, culture, and business training 

Alumnus Dennis King ‘81 created this scholarship in honor of his late wife, Anita, to ensure Thunderbird students have the opportunity to gain meaningful experience abroad that will enhance their future global careers. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Mr. King is keenly aware of the impact of immersive cultural experiences, and wishes to provide those experiences for others. 

This scholarship provides a stipend for Thunderbird students to help offset the costs associated with summer travel opportunities like conferences or summer internships. 

Criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a Thunderbird program

Named in memory of Matthew Simis’ grandparents, Donald and Barbara Hart, this scholarship was generously funded by Matthew and alumnus Michael Gray ’88. Donald and Barbara loved Phoenix and attending ASU football games. Donald even used to farm very near the old Thunderbird Campus in Glendale. This scholarship provides funding to Thunderbird students to honor the Hart legacy. 

Criteria:

• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply

Created in memory of alumnus Ken Seward, a true internationalist who lived in five countries and spoke three languages. He served in the U.S. Navy prior to attending Thunderbird, and also served on the Board of Trustees at Thunderbird for more than 30 years. Mr. Seward believed in leading through philanthropy, and his legacy at Thunderbird has far-reaching impact. 

Criteria:

• Continuing students welcome to apply
• Minimum GPA of 3.6 preferred but not required
• Campus and/or community leadership and service while at Thunderbird preferred

This scholarship fund was created in memory of beloved alumnus Jose Cattani ’89. After graduating, Cattani became a long-term Thunderbird Ambassador in Latin America. He also initiated the 25-year reunion of his graduating class in May of 2019, rekindling old friendships and the magical Thunderbird spirit. In memory of his jovial spirit and dedication the School, Cattani’s classmates established a scholarship in his name at Thunderbird to honor his legacy.

Criteria:

• Student must be a citizen of a Latin American country 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply. 

Karen J. Simon generously created a scholarship in support of studying abroad with Semester at Sea, in addition to her scholarship supporting women leaders. 

Criteria:

• Current student enrolled in an undergraduate program at Thunderbird 
• GPA will be highly considered, and a minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred, though there is no specific GPA required. 
• Students must be accepted into the SAS program through ASU before being considered for this award

The Janis and Milly Kahvush Educational and Cultural Trust is committed to supporting Latvian students and providing rich educational experiences. By establishing this scholarship, the Trust will create life-changing opportunities for Latvian students interested in pursuing global business, leadership, and management education.

Criteria:

• Student must be a citizen of Latvia and be enrolled or accepted into a Thunderbird program. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Created in memory of Thunderbird alumnus Martin Lentz ‘65. A native of Phoenix, Mr. Lentz served in the U.S. Navy prior to pursing his degree at Thunderbird. His educational background and life objectives led him to a 29-year career working in international marketing, sales, project management, and to assure corporate compliance with U.S. export policy throughout the world. These scholarship awards will encourage and assist worthy students in pursuit of their interest in global management.

Criteria:

• Incoming students welcome to apply
• Minimum GPA of 3.2 
• U.S. Citizen
• Preference for students who possess successful work experience in a business setting and have documented financial need as defined by ASU Financial Aid

As a member of America’s armed forces, you understand the intricacies and challenges of working across cultures in today’s interconnected global environment. Thunderbird School of Global Management was established by Lt. General Barton Kyle Yount in 1946 as an educational institution committed to preparing leaders who could bridge cultural gaps through ethical, culturally astute business practices. In his memory, and in recognition of your service, we offer US military applicants exclusive benefits such as application fee waivers and various scholarship opportunities. Thunderbird students are also eligible for scholarship and financing resources are available through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center.

Created in honor of alumnus Michael Nissman’s ’70 parents, Ruth and Morris, this scholarship benefits students in financial need. In generously supporting this award, Mr. Nissman sought only to provide aid where it is most needed, to ensure any struggling students have the support they need to succeed as future global business leaders.  

Criteria:

• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

This scholarship fund was established by alumnus Dr. Se-Ung Lee ‘70. Dr. Lee’s career and willingness to foster future generations of global leaders represents Thunderbird at its best. He has achieved great successes in business, education, and the arts. Dr. Lee is committed to developing a world crafted by sustainable businesses, economies, cultures and environments. In addition to this scholarship, he also provided crucial support to establish a global hub in Seoul.

Critera:

• Enrolled in a full-time Thunderbird program
• Pursing a degree with a concentration in Asian countries

This scholarship fund is generously supported by all the alumni who make contributions to the Thunderbird Scholarship Fund each year.

Criteria:

• Demonstrate relevant work experience and/or significant non-tourism overseas experience. 
• Second non-native language (conversational or better) preferred.
• Participation in volunteer work and extracurricular leadership experience. 
• GPA and GMAT scores will be considered.
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

This scholarship fund is generously supported by Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Alumni Association members, who are integral to the growth and success of our School.

Criteria:

• Meet Thunderbird's general admissions requirements 
• Possess outstanding academic and/or relevant professional achievement, GMAT and other test scores and undergraduate GPA. 
• Demonstrated financial need as defined by ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services but together with planned TIAA Member Scholarship award, has demonstrated the ability to complete coursework required for graduation. 
• Documented an explicit desire or otherwise demonstrated a commitment to advancing international commerce upon graduation from Thunderbird. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

This scholarship fund was created by RPCV and Thunderbird alumna Susan Hayes ‘72. To honor the alumni who supported her when she returned from her Peace Corps service, Ms. Hayes created this fund to help future generations of RPCVs. 

Criteria:

• Student must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who has one of the following designated statuses: 
  • Completed the full two-year tour of Peace Corps service or are otherwise given ‘Description of Service” (DOS)
  • Medically separated
  • ‘Interrupted service’ status 
• Leadership skills and extracurricular activities will be considered in addition to financial need. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

This scholarship fund is generously supported by an ever-growing group of alumni who donate to support Veteran education at Thunderbird.

Criteria:

• Student must be a U.S. Veteran; this scholarship is an additional source of funding that does not reduce VA education benefits
• Must be able to provide proof of military status
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply 

• Both online and in-person students welcome to apply

Inspired by alumnus Charles “Chuck” Irion, whose own study abroad experiences and constant language learning helped shaped the global mindset that he has today. This scholarship is open to 4+1 Thunderbird students who have completed their fourth year and are entering their fifth and final year of study.

Criteria:

• Current 4+1 Thunderbird students who are finishing their fourth year.
• During the summer following the recipient’s fourth year, recipient must participate in one of the following:
  • A Melikian Center’s Critical Language Institute (CLI) program course
  • A Melikian Center’s coordinated and for credit international internship program (led by the CLI); or
  • A Global Challenge Lab (led by Thunderbird faculty, in collaboration with the Melikian Center CLI).

Generously supported by alumna Kathryn Lindquist ’84 and her beloved late husband Terry Newendorp, this scholarship was created to provide more pathways for deserving students, especially those with a background in teaching or education, and ensure generations of T-birds will have long-lasting support.

Criteria:

• Incoming or current Thunderbird students

• 3.25 GPA

• Teaching background and/or interest in teaching

Generously supported by the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona, this scholarship is designed to award academic excellence and honor commitment to service.

Criteria:

• Incoming or current Thunderbird students

• 3.25 GPA

 Inspired by alumnus Jim Secunda’s ’76 own journey to Thunderbird, the Secunda Family Scholarship was created to support the entrepreneurial spirit inherent in so many T-birds, with a preference for undergraduate students beginning their Thunderbird journey.

Criteria:

• Incoming or current Thunderbird students

• Preference for undergraduate students

• 3.25 GPA

The Hanyang University Program Travel Scholarship was designed to foster meaningful academic and cultural exchange. The scholarship helps offset out-of-pocket travel costs for students participating in Hanyang University's Winter or Summer short-term programs. Eligible Thunderbird undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply and take part in this transformative international opportunity.

Criteria:

• Current Thunderbird students

• 3.0 GPA

• Students enrolled in a Hanyang University summer or winter program; Duration: Four weeks, from late June to late July each year; Students may take up to three courses (maximum of 9 credits; 1 credit = 15 contact hours).

• Hanyang International Summer School (HISS) program

• Hanyang International Winter School (HIWS) program

Thunderbird is pleased to offer Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) Master of Global Management (MGM) applicants an opportunity to apply for a Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship.

If chosen as a Coverdell Fellow you will:

• You will receive tuition assistance
• Earn a master’s degree that will enhance your earning power and marketability with employers
• Provide much-needed assistance to underserved American communities.

The deadline for fall entering MGM Coverdell applications is March 1st. To read more regarding the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship Program at Thunderbird and Arizona State University, please click here. 

The Founders’ Vision Award is a full-tuition scholarship established by Thunderbird alumnus Karen Simon'83, to support high-achieving American citizens in building a global mindset, business acumen, and cultural intelligence; critical skills for the future. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Applicant must be accepted into the full-time Masters of Global Management.
• Applicant must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (or equivalent).
• Applicant must show leadership potential and commitment to contributing to the school community.
• Financial need can be considered, but it is not a deciding eligibility criterion.
• Incoming students only.

This scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need.  

Criteria:

• Incoming MGM students welcome to apply.

Inspired by their time at Thunderbird and by the scholarship support they received, Bart and Nancy Westcott ’76 are paying it forward so others can follow in their T-bird footsteps. They look forward to seeing the impact their support will have on students in the years to come. 

Criteria:

• Incoming students pursing an MGM
• Preferred non-business undergraduate major
• 3.25 GPA preferred

Barton and Karen have always seen the value of education and the difference it can make. Barton is grateful for how Thunderbird shaped his career which led him into banking and a global career. Their careers and philanthropic support have also been global in nature – supporting causes outside of the bounds of their home. 

Criteria:

• Incoming and continuing MGM students
• 3.25 GPA preferred
• Financial need

Mary Ann Shallberg is making this commitment in loving memory of her late husband, William "Bill" Leslie Shallberg. Bill was a dedicated alumnus of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, who looked back fondly on the transformative impact of the education he received, and the relationships he developed at Thunderbird. After serving in the Korean war, William was inspired by Thunderbird’s mission and version and believed deeply in the maxim of “borders frequented by trade seldom need soldiers.” This gift is made in gratitude for everything that Thunderbird provided to Bill, and in anticipation of helping to deliver this life-changing education to generations of future Thunderbird alumni.

Criteria:

• Incoming and continuing MGM students
• 3.25 GPA preferred

In memory of alumna Chelsea Olson ’13, friends, family, colleagues, and classmates created a scholarship to honor her legacy. Chelsea dedicated her career to education and spent 17 years at Thunderbird, providing key business, strategy, and operational support, which impacted nearly all those connected with the School during her tenure. Given her love of education, adventure, and travel, this scholarship honors Chelsea’s memory by providing students the opportunity to pursue summer experiential learning.

Criteria:

• Current student enrolled in an MGM program
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 
• Preference will be given to students wanting to travel to Norway, Russia, Ireland, Scotland, Panama, and Spain, noted by Chelsea’s family as a few of her favorite destinations.

Created to honor the memory of beloved Thunderbird alumnus and entrepreneur Michael Milburn ’77 by his closest T-bird friends. This scholarship provides funding to encourage and support future global entrepreneurs. 

Criteria:

• Student must be a resident of the U.S.
• 3.25 GPA or greater
• Enrolled in an MGM program
• Interested in entrepreneurship
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Alumnus Kenneth Valvur has credited his experience at Thunderbird as especially transformative, noting that he arrived as an English-speaking Canadian accountant and left as a Japanese-speaking investment banker with a new-found entrepreneurial spirit. By establishing the Valvur Family Scholarship, Mr. Valvur will support outstanding students from his native Canada; the Baltic states, in celebration of his family’s Estonian heritage; and Japan, which influenced so much of his career. 

Criteria:

• Demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievement
• Citizen of Canada, Japan or the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) preferred
• Both incoming and continuing MGM students are welcome to apply