6/16/2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University's 20 Alumni Distinguished Scholars and University Distinguished Scholars for 2003 hail from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.
The students all have outstanding records of academic and personal achievements:
- Average ACT score: 34 (out of 36)
- Average SAT score: 1,540 (out of 1,600)
- Average high school grade point average: 4.32 2003
ALUMNI DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS
Elizabeth A. Bartlett
Troy
Troy High School
Academic interests: Microbiology, biochemistry and pre-veterinary science
High school activities: Marching and symphony bands, Latin Club and volunteering at the Humane Society
Parents: Don and Anne Bartlett
"I was impressed with how interested the university's admissions counselors and faculty were in prospective students. The possibility of doing research as a freshman really excited me."
Kelly E. Borchert
Alpena
Alpena High School
Academic interests: Human biology, German, other foreign languages and chemistry
High school activities: Varsity swimming, varsity soccer, Knowledge Bowl and German Club
Parents: John and Pamela Borchert
"I chose MSU because of the programs and study abroad opportunities offered at the school and because the campus appeals to me. Everyone there goes out of their way to be helpful."
Mason R. Bradbury
Otway, Ohio
Northwest High School
Academic interests: Biological sciences, anthropology, ecology and literature
High school activities: Soccer, baseball and backpacking
Parents: Kevin and Barbara Bradbury
"The ADS award, the professorial assistant program and the Honors College were the three most important factors in my choosing MSU."
Audrey C. Butcher
Bloomington, Ill.
Bloomington High School
Academic interests: The sciences, Lyman Briggs School and Spanish
High school activities: Student Council, Drama Club, band and orchestra, varsity swim team and Scholastic Bowl
Parents: Scott and Debbie Voorhees, and Robert Butcher
"MSU is large enough to offer opportunities in all of my areas of interest while still maintaining a friendly Midwestern atmosphere."
Daniel T. Fitzpatrick
Hudson, N.H.
Bishop Guertin High School
Academic interests: Political theory and constitutional democracy, international relations, physics and philosophy
High school activities: Debate and Boy Scouts
Parents: Thomas and Karen Fitzpatrick
"The Honors College will help me to follow a course of study which matches both my abilities and interests, while facilitating interaction with other talented students. The James Madison College provides the benefits of a small school, smaller classes, close contact with professors and classes with students with interests similar to my own. By joining MSU's successful debate team, I will be able to continue an activity I love while improving my own abilities."
Stanlee P. Greene
Grand Rapids
Northview High School
Academic interests: Jazz studies, theology, philosophy and psychology
High school activities: Choir, school musicals, guitar and songwriting
Parents: Stan and Mary Greene
"MSU stood out for me as a school that really recognizes the symbiosis between program and student. Here they understand that each can be a benefit to the other."
Thomas B. Keller
Macomb
Dakota High School
Academic interests: Journalism, political science, broadcasting, debate, mathematics and writing
High school activities: Student government, school newspaper, debate and sports broadcasting for the local cable channel
Parents: Todd and Jackie Keller
"The MSU experience offers me a mixture of academic, social and extracurricular opportunities that I could not find at any other university. Most importantly, the people at MSU seemed genuinely interested in having me as part of the Spartan community."
Nicole M. Kessinger
Chesterfield, Vir.
Mathematics and Science High School, Clover Hill
Academic interests: Engineering, architecture and economics
High school activities: Soccer team and photography
Parents: John and Elaine Kessinger
"I chose MSU because when I visited the campus the people I met made me feel very comfortable and they impressed me with their pride in the school. MSU will provide me with fantastic opportunities to enhance my education and meet new people."
William J. Levine
Great Falls, Mont.
C.M. Russell High School
Academic interests: Chemistry, French and history
High school activities: Debate, cross country and track
Parents: Daniel and Barbara Levine
"MSU offers an incredible breadth of curriculum, sizeable research grants, excellent study abroad opportunities and an approachable faculty."
John B. Meulendyke
Leawood, Kan.
Blue Valley North High School
Academic interests: Russian and history
High school activities: Band, and recreational baseball and basketball
Parents: Martin and Jane Meulendyke
"I've always loved the state of Michigan and all of my family is from there. Plus, East Lansing is a great town and I look forward to spending time in the community."
Benjamin R. Osborn
Grand Rapids
Forest Hills Northern High School
Academic interests: Philosophy, mathematics and English
High school activities: Piano, debate, Mock Trial, Odyssey of the Mind and community theater
Parents: Bradford and Kathleen Osborn
"One of the reasons I chose MSU is that the flexibility offered in the Honors College is very attractive."
Anjali Rohatgi
Fort Wayne, Ind.
R. Nelson Snider High School
Academic interests: Biology and English
High school activities: School newspaper, Science Fair, Academic Team, National Honor Society and Study Connections
Parents: Dipak and Juhi Rohatgi
"By providing me with a challenging, yet friendly environment, and numerous opportunities for my own advancement, MSU presented me with an offer no other college could match."
Daniel Q. Thai
Garland, Texas
Garland High School
Academic interests: Journalism, physics, mathematics and history
High school activities: Soccer and theater
Parents: Loc and Minh Ho Thai
"I chose to attend MSU because I knew that MSU had one of the top journalism schools in the nation. Plus, I want to see some snow in my life."
Leah J. Tibbetts
Buffalo, N.Y.
Amherst Central High School
Academic interests: Psychology, biology and chemistry
High school activities: Varsity field hockey, and varsity indoor and outdoor track
Parents: John and Betsey Tibbetts
"I chose MSU because the school spirit, pride in the university and overall atmosphere make it a place I am excited to be a part of as a college student."
2003 UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS
Daniel J. Baker
Woodbury, Minn.
Woodbury High School
Academic interests: Computer engineering and math
High school activities: Math League and pep band
Parents: James and Jean Baker
"The MSU campus is beautiful and the Honors program is one of the best I've seen."
Andrew A. Cooper
San Antonio, Texas
North East School of the Arts at Robert E. Lee High School
Academic interests: Mathematics, linguistics, Latin, science, music, history and writing
High school activities: Latin Club and jazz band
Parents: Ralph and Meg Cooper
"I chose MSU because the Honors College offers a wonderful opportunity to work with people who truly care about education, who have a zeal for learning and who wish to have a major positive impact on the world, all within the context of a large public university with all the resources and opportunities. The faculty, staff and students I have encountered have all impressed me with their friendliness, helpfulness and concern for others. MSU, and especially the Honors College, simply seems to be the place where I should be."
Stuart R. Kaltz
Lapeer
Lapeer East High School
Academic interests: Materials science
High school activities: Symphony and marching bands, National Honor Society, Students for School Improvement and Quiz Bowl
Parents: Joseph and Jennifer Kaltz
"I chose MSU for many reasons: the advantages of the Honors College, the beautiful campus and the opportunities for research in the professorial assistant program contributed to my decision."
Brittany G. Naber
Columbus, Ohio
Upper Arlington High School
Academic interests: Humanities, pre-law, French, history and music
High school activities: Orchestra and choir
Parents: Steven and Marcie Naber
"For me, MSU turned out to be that perfect mix of opportunities, programs and people that every high school senior looks for. The Honors College and professorial assistant program caught my attention, and the faculty, students and Honors staff I met made me feel like I was already at home!"
Ashwin K. Thiagarajasubramanian
Troy
Troy High School
Academic interests: Biochemistry, biomedical engineering and medical sciences
High school activities: Science Olympiad, Project Lead, peer tutoring and community service
Parents: Thiagarajasubramanian Nagarajan and Savithri Subramanian
"MSU offers very wide academic opportunities and freedom to choose them. I am especially impressed by the undergraduate research and study abroad programs. I believe I can realize my potential at MSU."
Sarah K. Van Domelen
Amherst, N. Y.
The Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart High School
Academic interests: Civil engineering and architecture
High school activities: Varsity soccer, Ski Club, National Honor Society, French Club and mission trip to Jamaica.
Parents: Timothy and Rosemary Van Domelen
"The opportunities MSU offered me as a University Distinguished Scholar are unparalleled and surely will open many doors for me in the future."