For Immediate Release

June 19, 2007

Three Bush Foundation fellowship recipients to pursue doctorates at the School of Education

MINNEAPOLIS -- On June 4, 2007, the Bush Foundation selected 19 leadership fellows from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to continue their education efforts as they contribute positive change throughout the Midwest. The Bush Foundation, founded by former 3M Executive Archibald Bush and wife Edyth, works to financially support accomplished, motivated individuals who are eager to prepare themselves for greater leadership responsibilities within their communities and professions.

Since its beginning in 1953, the Bush Foundation has provided more than $710 million in grants and fellowships to promote the development of individuals as well as provide support for non-profit organizations. The University of St. Thomas School of Education is honored to enrich and educate three of this year’s fellows, Tracine Asberry of Minneapolis, Michael Klein of Saint Paul, and Kimberley Smolik of Minneapolis, who will apply their fellowships to complete doctoral degrees from the School of Education.

Tracine Asberry teaches at the W. Harry Davis Academy in Minneapolis. She will study home-learning environments of African and African American families to promote academic achievement. To attain this, she will earn her doctorate of education at the University of St. Thomas. 

Michael Klein has already made many contributions to The University of St. Thomas. He is a social justice vocation instructor and leadership coordinator. He directs the justice and peace studies internships as well as leads an activist group called the Student Coalition for Social Justice. He is currently completing his doctorate of education and plans to establish and direct a center for peace education at the University of St. Thomas.

Kimberley Smolik currently works as a program director with Catholic Charities. She will use her fellowship to earn a doctorate of education at the University of St. Thomas. Her studies will have a strong emphasis on anti-racist practices as she plans to establish an organization that will encourage adult learners to advance an anti-racist agenda.

The University of St. Thomas is privileged to be able to provide an opportunity for these individuals to broaden their education as they become effective leaders for social advancement. The Twin Cities welcomes and supports the positive change that will be a result of the motivation and constant efforts from Asberry, Klein, and Smolik as they work to achieve peace and justice in our local communities.

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