Apply to the Lundgren Scholars Program

Lundgren Scholars will receive a $5,000 stipend, split between the two semesters of their scholar year. The key benefits for Scholars include:

• Participation in the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing Executive Seminars. In the past, these have included a session on corporate strategy with Terry Lundgren and product development by Dave Schechter, VP for AirMax at Nike. 
• Full access to the full programming of the Global Retailing Ideas Summit. This annual event brings in some of the top leaders of the retailing and brand industry. 
• Access to one-on-one professional development coaching and mentoring with Terry Lundgren, members of the Center’s Corporate Advisory Board and TJLC Staff. 
• Participation on Center Study Tours which have included the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York City, summer study tours which have included San Francisco, Seattle and Portland and others as planned. Please note: These activities are dependent on university policy regarding travel due to COVID-19. 
• Serve as ex-offico members of the Center’s Student Advisory Board that undertakes various activities throughout the year on behalf of the Center.
• Receive financial support to attend a related professional event (e.g., trade show, conference, seminar) that is intended to contribute to one’s professional development.

The core element of the Lundgren Scholars program will be a year-long research and/or service project related to the retailing and brand industry.  These projects are intended to provide a deep learning experience for the student while also contributing to the knowledge base of the industry.  This can be achieved through either:

• an extensive research project that looks in-depth at a topic or issue being faced by the industry (e.g., post-pandemic changes to the industry, role of experiences in retail stores), or
• a service project that provides direct support to retailers/brands including small businesses, minority/women-owned businesses, business support organizations (e.g., Small Business Development Centers) or other similar companies or groups. 

The Scholar’s work on this project will be supported directly by the Center and, as needed, by members of the Center’s Corporate Advisory Board.  Scholar’s will have an opportunity to share the results of their work during the Global Retailing Ideas Summit, held yearly in April, and through the associated Global Retailing – The Magazine. The work will also be featured heavily through the Center’s social media, website and other promotional materials.  These projects ideally should connect to one’s academic studies regardless of major or discipline. Additionally, these projects may qualify for receiving independent study credit hours. Please speak to your major’s/program’s academic advisor for direction.

To be considered for The Lundgren Scholars program, student must meet the following criteria:

• Be an University of Arizona full-time undergraduate student on the main campus
• An RCSC student including dual majors must have taken RCSC214 or RCSC216 or are enrolled in one or both classes during the application process
• A non-RCSC student must be at least in junior standing
• Must be enrolled and on the main campus at UArizona during both semesters of the academic year
• Must demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth through this experience

A student will be considered for the Lundgren Scholars Program upon submission of the following:

1. Basic biographic information
2. An up-to-date professional resume and a link to your public LinkedIn profile
3. Copy of your unofficial UArizona transcript (can be found on UAccess and uploaded) 
4. Two letters of recommendation from a professional or academic setting, uploaded into the application; one must be from a UA faculty member
5. Short essays responses to the following questions: 
   -  In 500-words or fewer, please explain your interest in the program and what you hope to accomplish in furthering your professional interest in the retailing/brand industry. 
   - In 300-words or fewer, please describe, in a summary fashion, your potential Scholar Project. This project will likely evolve, once selected, but the intention with this essay is to understand how you believe you could make an impact through this specific project. 
   - Optional: One Scholar sponsor is supporting a student with a specific interest in retail entrepreneurship.  If you would like to be considered for this specific opportunity within the Lundgren Scholars program, in 300 words or fewer, please describe any current or past entrepreneurial activities in which you have or are engaged (e.g, coursework, startup ventures) and what your specific interests or ambitions are regarding retail entrepreneurship.

Applications should be submitted via qualtrics by 11:59pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Marsalla no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. 

Selected applicants will then be invited to an interview where they will be asked to share more about their background, interests in the retailing/brand industry, and their ability to contribute at a Lundgren Scholar to both their own goals and to the overall mission of the TJLC.

Students will be notified of their acceptance shortly after the interview is conducted. Students not accepted will be able to obtain feedback on their application, if requested. They are also eligible to reapply for subsequent academic years.

If you would like more information on the Lundgren Scholars Program, please email Sr Program Coordinator, Liz Marsalla.