This fellowship was established by Dr. William (Bill) W. Taylor and his wife, Evelyn Taylor. Dr. Taylor is a University Distinguished Professor and served as Chairperson of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife from 1992-2008. The goal of the endowment is to provide opportunities for graduate students to conduct research in a global context by immersing themselves in their international experiences.
In 1975, Bill was a doctoral student with Dr. Shelby Gerking at Arizona State University. He was afforded the opportunity to join the Hydrobiological Laboratory (at Lake Ohrid in Southern Yugoslavia, now the country of Macedonia) researching on a shoreline cyprinid. He became very close with most of the scientists and technical staff at the Station. Additionally, Bill and Evelyn were "adopted" by a local family with whom they lived for three months that summer. Returning for approximately three months at a time over the next 6 years, Bill forged a close relationship with the family, the Institute scientists, the culture and the fisheries resources of this area. This experience was seminal in his professional career development and personal understanding of himself and others.
Dr. Taylor credits much of his success and understanding of life and environmental resource management to those from all over the world who took the time to invest in him providing opportunities, insights, courage and excellent mentoring. Among the most important have been his family and his graduate students both of which have always provided support and encouragement for his many global ventures.
Bill continues to foster international experiences with international scientists. Evelyn has been extensively involved assisting international students and refugees in need through her role as a medical social worker at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. They hope this fellowship will offer graduate students the life changing experiences that they were afforded in Macedonia and beyond.