Clinton Global-Change U. Invites Professor to be Mentor

 His Two Dollar Challenge, started at the University of Mary Washington to raise awareness of global poverty, has garnered national headlines and has been repeated on at least a dozen college campuses. In March, Associate Professor of Economics Shawn Humphrey continued his mission of effecting world change as one of 30 “commitment mentors” chosen to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

“Again and again,” Humphrey said, “my students and I have demonstrated our ability to deliver on projects and make a national impact.”

Former President Bill Clinton started CGIU to showcase young people’s power to effect change. It unites about 1,000 students from across the globe to discuss solutions to pressing issues – from global warming to human trafficking – with youth organizations, topic experts, and celebrities.

As a commitment mentor, Humphrey facilitated discussions with a group of 50 students about resource sharing, network building, and the development of plans to effect positive changes on campuses, in communities, and around the world.

Humphrey founded La Ceiba MFI, a microfinance institution in Honduras, and he co-founded the Poverty Action Conference. A recipient of the UMW Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award, he is on the board of Students Helping Honduras, and he is spearheading “2012 Month of Microfinance,” a national initiative.

At the 2009 CGIU, Humphrey and his students presented their commitment to action around the Two Dollar Challenge, in which participants live on $2 a day. Students also took part in this year’s event, which featured a large service project and appearances by Chelsea Clinton and The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.