Aquinas alumnus Elliot Sedlecky ‘10 has recently been chosen by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the 2011 Woodrow Wilson Michigan Teaching Fellowship. In 2010, Sedlecky completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Aquinas College with a range of experience in botany and chemistry. During the 2009-10 academic year, he was treasurer of the Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) Biological Honor Society, Lambda Alpha Chapter, at Aquinas. Sedlecky has also served as an elementary school tutor in Grand Rapids.

Sedlecky credits his academic and social experiences at Aquinas with having a direct impact on where he is now. “I loved meeting new people, having excellent biology classes and classmates, learning more about my Catholic faith through theology classes, having tea with Father Jim Chelich and a group of Aquinas students at the St. Thomas rectory, renovating the tree trail, and so much more,” said Sedlecky.

When asked what inspired him to seek out the Fellowship, Sedlecky said, “I was intrigued by the potential to impact the lives of students who do not have the opportunities that I had. I guess that my philosophy on humanity (part of which was shaped by my interactions at Aquinas) gave me the desire to reach out to this community of students that is, many times, not given a chance in our society.”

His years as an Aquinas student allowed Sedlecky to engage in important questions of ethics and religion. He rose to the academic challenges of Aquinas professors throughout his college experience. “Dr. McKelvey and Dr. Hess taught me some great things about biology, and really inspired me to keep with it,” said Sedlecky. The Teaching Fellowship often consists of accomplished students in the sciences, and Sedlecky is among them.

Jeffrey McKelvey, Ph.D., Aquinas biology professor and current department chair, has high esteem for his former student, describing him as an, “excellent student with a sharp and very analytical mind.”

“[Elliot] often asked questions that went deeper into a subject than I had intended to go in class (and sometimes asked questions that sent me scurrying off to do more research myself),” said McKelvey. “He earned an A in every Biology class he took here and was a co-recipient of our department's outstanding senior award for 2010.”

Looking to the future, both Sedlecky and McKelvey have high hopes for how Sedlecky’s fellowship will allow the Aquinas alumnus to impact the world in a positive way, particularly in places often overlooked or underfunded, where teachers and affirming role models are most needed.

“The education that I am getting at MSU through this program is amazing and it applies not only to teaching, but to the American culture in general,” Sedlecky said. “So often, people are treated unfairly simply because of their race, social status, gender, sexual orientation, etc. and it just isn't ethical. “

McKelvey feels that, while Sedlecky’s talents are his own, his successes - and his socially conscious outlook in particular - have been fostered by an Aquinas education.

“I like to think that [Aquinas College] provides an atmosphere that fosters [students’] development,” said McKelvey. “I think the liberal arts requirements encourage students to explore new ideas and perhaps identify new interests. We try to support them as they pursue their educational and professional goals while also challenging them to develop the skills and work ethic they will need after they graduate.”

Sedlecky affirms the importance of his Aquinas education, his friendships and social work facilitated as an Aquinas student, and a future of inspiring the same opportunities his Aquinas mentors provided to him. Of the Fellowship, he said, “We aren't only learning how to be teachers. We are learning how to be transformers of society and that is the way in which this program will impact me the most.”

The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship connects recent undergraduates and collegiate seniors with opportunities and professional mentorships in the field of public education, where they are often most needed. The Teaching Fellowship serves the states of Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.