6/28/2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Fifteen of Michigan State University's 20 Alumni Distinguished Scholars and University Distinguished Scholars for 2002 come from Michigan and the rest come from California, Illinois, Missouri, New York and North Carolina.
The students all have outstanding records of academic and personal achievements:
- Average ACT score: 34 out of 36 �
- Average SAT score: 1520 out of 1600 �
- Average high school grade point average: 4.14
Bhooma Aravamuthan
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Central High School, Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center
Academic interests: biochemistry, premedicine and computer science
High school activities: Indian cultural dance, mock trial team, computer science team, debate and forensics teams, Student Congress, and research teams at Borgess Hospital and Western Michigan University Parents: Raja and Lakshmi Aravamuthan
"I chose MSU because the school provides outstanding academic opportunities for undergraduates. As a freshman I can conduct research under a member of the faculty and take graduate level courses. In most colleges, these options are available only to graduate students."
Jason Scott Ardanowski
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Livonia
Winston Churchill High School
Academic interests: international relations, economics, political theory and biochemistry
High school activities: National Honor Society, St. Colette youth group, Churchill Quiz Bowl and student government
Parents: David and Kathryn Ardanowski
"I chose MSU because of the academic quality of the Honors College and James Madison College, and the welcoming, approachable nature of all the students, faculty and administrators I met."
Jennifer Carroll
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Charlotte, N.C.
Myers Park High School
Academic interests: environmental science, zoology, Spanish and chemistry
High school activities: Science Olympiad, High-Q, track and cross country Parent: Madeline Carroll
"The combination of a small college experience within the Honors College, the park-like campus, competitive athletics and academics all entwined in a sense of community was too enticing to pass up."
Jennifer Knight Coalson
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
St. Louis, Mo.
Parkway North High School
Academic interests: music education, engineering and double bass performance
High school activities: St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, Girl Scouts, Outdoor Adventure Course instructor and contradancing
Parents: William and Rebecca Coalson
"I fell in love with the campus' shaded green paths and black squirrels. I also value the extensive freedom the Honors College gives me in choosing courses and combining vastly different fields of study."
Catherine Courtade
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Hudsonville
Jenison High School
Academic interests: psychology, mathematics, zoology, history and literature
High school interests: volunteer coaching for students with autism, Youth Advisory Committee with the Southeast Ottawa Community Foundation, orchestra, musicals, Science Olympiad, Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society and peer adolescent listener
Parents: Charles and Beverly Courtade
"MSU has many opportunities for high level students, such as the professorial assistantship program and the Honors College. I am impressed with the personal care I have received from the outstanding staff. I am also thankful for the proximity to my home. And, I love green!"
Ann Elizabeth DeLuca
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Lewiston
Gaylord High School
Academic interests: James Madison College, English and psychology
High school activities: debate, forensics, track, cross country and volunteer activities
Parents: Margaret Madagame and Tad DeLuca
"The reputation of the James Madison College and the benefits of the undergraduate research program attracted me to Michigan State University."
Erik Robert Green
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Grosse Pointe Woods
Grosse Pointe North High School
Academic interests: secondary education, mathematics, music and writing High school activities orchestra, Pep Band, choir and theater
Parents: Robert Green and Linda Adler-Green
"The price was certainly perfect, but I was very impressed with the personal attention I received, and the growing commitment to scholastic achievement at MSU."
Andrew Lawrence Hickner
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Bay City
Bay City Central High School
Academic interests: music, humanities and social sciences
High school activities: choir, Student Council and forensics
Parents: Tom and Nancy Hickner
"The Honors College seems to offer both incredible opportunities and close interaction with faculty."
Frances Howes
University Distinguished Scholar
Grosse Pointe Woods
Grosse Pointe North High School
Academic interests: political theory and constitutional democracy in James Madison College, Spanish, writing and astronomy
High school activities: Academic Quiz Bowl, radio astronomy team and Web writing
Parents: John Howes and Kathryn Rogers
"James Madison College seemed to be like a place where I could learn actively as an individual and not just be one more in a sea of faces in a lecture hall. I'm really excited to be coming to MSU."
Timothy Howes
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Brighton
Brighton High School
Academic interests: engineering, medicine, mathematics and chemistry High school activities: tennis, Odyssey of the Mind, Chemistry Olympiad and National Honor Society
Parents: David and Deborah Howes
"MSU has a vested interest in my success and will make my education a top priority."
Hogyeong Jeong
University Distinguished Scholar
East Lansing
East Lansing High School
Academic interests: mathematics, economics and physics
High school activities: orchestra, Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad and tennis Parents: Seongin Jeong and Heeseon Choi
"Quality, environment, wonderful professors and staff, and attractive research opportunities."
Jeff D. Joyce
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Buchanan
Home schooled, Berrien County Math and Science Center
Academic interests: computer science, computer engineering, drama and chess
Extracurricular activities: chess, drama and basketball
Parents: Daniel and Kathy Joyce
"I chose MSU because I felt that the people there were interested in me."
James M. Leiby
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Lansing
Holt High School
Academic interests: German, history and science
High school activities: Quiz Bowl, hockey and lacrosse
Parents: Steven and Maria Leiby
"I've been a Spartan my whole life. I've been attending games at Munn Ice Arena as long as I can remember, and my childhood heroes were guys like Tony Tuzzolino, Sean Berens and Tyler Harlton."
Nathan Lord
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Saginaw
Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy
Academic interests: biochemistry, molecular biology, math, foreign language and music
High school activities: band, Model United Nations, Science Fair, Chemistry Olympiad, golf and snowboarding
Parents: Victor and Deborah Lord
"MSU offers a number of research opportunities to undergraduates, so I was drawn by the prospect of gaining laboratory experience in my first year."
Amanda Prinke
University Distinguished Scholar
Elgin, Ill.
Elgin High School
Academic interests: math, physics and the sciences
High school activities: Scholastic Bowl, Upstate 8 math team, World Youth Science and Engineering regional competitions and Video Game Club Parents: Scott and Margaret Prinke
"The school is pretty, the people are friendly and it has my majors."
James Reinhart
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Escanaba
Escanaba High School
Academic interests: premedicine, physics and astronomy
High school activities: Ski and Snowboard Club, tennis team, jazz band, Soccer Club and musicals
Parents: Robert Reinhart and Cindy Reinhart
"The true interest MSU staff showed toward me opened my eyes to the incredible options present in academics, athletics and activities at Michigan State."
Stacey Ann Schroeder
University Distinguished Scholar
Commerce Township
Ladywood High School, Livonia
Academic interests: engineering, biomedical research, mathematics, automotive engineering and art
High school activities: cross country and track teams
Parents: Warren and Marie Schroeder
"I have loved the MSU campus, residence halls and atmosphere since I first visited MSU in seventh grade, which is important since MSU will be home for the next four years. I am very impressed by the professors, staff and facilities. I am positive MSU is the correct choice for me."
Janelle Shane
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Niles
Niles High School
Academic interests: engineering and graphic arts High school activities: South Bend Youth Symphony, pit band, jazz band, woodwind quintet and French Club
Parents: William Shane and Gretchen Anderson
"In addition to the wide array of courses and extracurricular activities from which to choose, one of my favorite things about MSU is the attitude of the students and faculty: friendly, cooperative and enthusiastic about their work."
Kevin Spence
University Distinguished Scholar
Webster, N.Y.
McQuaid Jesuit High School
Academic interests: mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry and psychology
High school activities: intramural football and basketball
Parents: John P. and Janice M. Spence
"I chose MSU to get a better quality education for less money than at other colleges. Also, my parents both went to MSU and I have family nearby."
Paul Toste
Alumni Distinguished Scholar
Kerman, Calif.
Kerman High School
Academic interests: premedicine, human biology, mathematics and the sciences
High school activities: football, community service, diving, math team and jazz band
Parents: Paul and Susan Toste
"I chose MSU because I was accepted into the Medical Scholars program and this will allow me to attain my goal of becoming a physician. Receiving an ADS award also contributed to my decision."