Making Dreams Possible
Donor-funded fellowship helps economics student earn master’s degree, inspires generations
Michael Boateng Agyenim, from Ghana, is pursuing his dream of earning a Master of Arts degree in economics from UM to build his career as a professor, researcher and policy advisor.
Agyenim, a first-generation college student, received the Nelson “Jerry” Weller Graduate Economics Research Fellowship. The award, funded by longtime donor and 1958 alum Nelson Weller, supports a mentored research experience by providing a stipend; paying for tuition, fees and health insurance; and covering research-related expenses.
Weller, a loyal donor to the UM Foundation for 47 years, reflected, "I benefited so very much from my economic studies at UM, and I want to pay that forward."
With this support, Agyenim is working closely with a faculty mentor, Dr. Katrina Mullan, to conduct rigorous, high-level research on deforestation of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
Agyenim graduated as valedictorian of his college in 2024 from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana with a bachelor's degree in economics. This fellowship has allowed him to gain valuable experience as a research assistant, which will make him an even more competitive candidate when he applies for Ph.D. programs.
“Because of philanthropy, I am here at UM doing what is often reserved for those who have more resources,” he said. “I am proud and grateful for this opportunity.”
Weller’s generosity is making a difference not only for Agyenim, but also for his entire family. Agyenim said receiving the fellowship inspired his four siblings to take their own studies seriously, in addition to giving him confidence in his goals.
“Donors are not just making my studies easier; they are making the future I dreamt about — which once felt impossible — become possible.”