The group set up an investment account several years ago and last year’s executive board searched for a use for the funds that had built up, COGS President Stefan Fletcher said.

In partnership with the graduate school, COGS unanimously voted to donate $125,000 from the fund to set up the new endowment. The group hopes to donate about 5 percent of this fund, or about $6,250, toward leadership fellowships each year.

“COGS wants to see this fund grow and grow and grow, so we attract and retain the best and most talented graduate students at MSU,” Fletcher said.

“What I’m hoping is that it will bring a recognition that leadership is an important skill to develop while students are in graduate school,” Klomparens said. “Graduate students themselves are wonderful potential leaders.”

The fellowships will be awarded to students who are involved in their fields of study outside of the courses they take and the research they do, Klomparens said. A good example would be a student who is involved in his or her national disciplinary society and is working to plan a conference at MSU, she said.

“Students who step up and are willing to put in that extra effort — they’re willing to provide guidance and invest their time in making everyone’s time here a positive one,” Klomparens said.

The graduate school will provide the long-term administrative home for the endowment, as well as provide a partner for the advisory committee that will read applications, Klomparens said.

One of the biggest stressors for graduate students can be financial resources, said Jordan Broderick, a second-year graduate student.

“A lack (of financial resources) can cause a lot of negative things, so I think it’s really great that they’re rewarding people doing excellent work,” Broderick said.

COGS set up the endowment with stocks and bonds so the funds will grow across time and create a sustainable supply of fellowships, said Adam Lovgren, COGS vice president for graduate wellness.

“I hope it really encourages a lot of people to get out there and get involved in their communities,” he said.

Fletcher said the rest of the money in COGS’ investment fund is being used to fund conference grants for graduate students.

“There’s not enough money at the university, at the graduate level or the undergraduate level, for the amount of truly amazing work that goes on here,” Fletcher said.