NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University senior Geraldy (Chris) Francois has been selected for the prestigious Schwarzman Scholars Program, the first person to be chosen for this honor from the Republic of Haiti and from the university in northeast Indiana.

Geraldy (Chris) Francois. Photo provided by Manchester University.

One hundred forty-five Schwarzman Scholars were selected from more than 4,700 applicants from 41 countries and 108 universities, said a news release from Manchester University.

Anchored in an 11-month professional master’s degree in global affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, the fully-funded program provides scholars with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, engage in high-level interactions with Chinese leaders and visiting speakers, and learn from world-class faculty.

Schwarzman Scholars experience extensive leadership training, practical training and internships, a network of senior mentors, and travel seminars around China.

The Class of 2021 will enroll in August 2020.

These future leaders will join a global network of Schwarzman Scholars who have committed themselves to be a force for change, regardless of where their personal or professional passions take them.

“I am inspired by these remarkable, accomplished and dynamic young individuals who will be joining Schwarzman Scholars at a time when its mission is more important than ever,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, founding trustee of Schwarzman Scholars, in announcing the new class.

Majoring in peace studies at Manchester, Francois is co-founder and director of marketing of Delice Dental Health Initiative, a nonprofit that has worked since 2015 to improve access to quality dental care in rural and urban Haitian communities.

Francois is a student assistant at the Manchester University Peace Studies Institute, president of the Amnesty International chapter at MU, founding president and hub coordinator of Sunrise Manchester University, president of the International Association, secretary of the Alpha Mu Gamma Nu Gamma chapter and a resident assistant at Oakwood Hall.

“I am extremely thankful to professors Tara Beth Smithson, Janina P. Traxler and Katy Gray Brown, who has accompanied me throughout the process, helped me proofread my essays, and provided emotional support,” Francois said, also thanking Leslie Marlatt and Sarah Aubrey from the MU Career and Professional Development staff.