To uphold its commitment to global citizenship, Ursinus College has established the Melrose Center for Global Civic Engagement in honor of the late U.S. Ambassador Joseph H. Melrose Jr. ’66.

The Melrose Center seeks to develop future global leaders through unprecedented learning opportunities that will allow students to engage with global leaders to help enact social change.

Getting Involved

Students involved in the various programs sponsored through the Melrose Center engage in experiential learning, both locally and globally. They learn by doing, working with community organizations, developing cross-cultural competence and applying classroom education to real-world situations.

The Melrose Center expands opportunities for students involved in National Model United Nations, the Peace Corps Prep Program and the Bonner Leader Program. 

A cohort of 8-10 Melrose Fellows is selected each year. Melrose Fellows take courses emphasizing social and global issues, engage in service learning initiatives through partnerships with community-based organizations, and travel abroad and/or study away.

Additionally, the Melrose Center for Global Civic Engagement offers a travel grant for students to gain international internship experience in developing countries.

Do you have ideas for the Melrose Center?

We are looking for volunteers who are interested in mentoring Bonner Leaders and Melrose Fellows, helping plan Melrose Center-sponsored events on campus, and serving on an advisory board which will provide advice about Melrose Center plans and programs.

Your help will be critical in the ongoing development of the Melrose Center. You can provide valuable advice and contacts for our current students, connecting them to volunteer opportunities, internships and jobs in your network. You can also provide suggestions for future programming and activities. Contact us at melrosecenter@ursinus.edu