EAST LANSING, Mich. — Nineteen high school graduates from throughout the country are Michigan State University’s newest Alumni Distinguished Scholars and University Distinguished Scholars.
Their reasons for coming to MSU run the gamut from the abundance of academic and research opportunities available at one of the nation’s top universities and flexibility of curriculum through the Honors College, to a friendly, inviting atmosphere and renowned and dedicated professors.
These academically talented students are recipients of either an Alumni Distinguished Scholarship or a University Distinguished Scholarship for 2008, considered to be among the most competitive awards in the country. All of the students are members of the MSU Honors College.
The scholarships, valued at approximately $80,000 for in-state students and approximately $130,000 for out-of-state students, cover full tuition, room and board, books and a stipend for up to eight semesters of study.
“While we are proud of all of the exceptional students who will be joining us in the fall, we are especially pleased that scholars of this caliber have selected MSU for their undergraduate education,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, dean of the MSU Honors College. “The Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars will enrich and contribute to our community in myriad ways.”
Alumni Distinguished Scholars are:
- Kaitlin E. Anderson, Munster, Ind.
- Charles D. Andrews, Shelby Township
- Melissa J. Asher, Albuquerque, N.M.
- Nicholas Bebee, Grand Ledge
- Mark H. Bogner, DeWitt
- Erin A. Brookins, Lake Jackson, Texas
- Kyle M. Druding, Orchard Park, N.Y.
- Rebecca L. Farnum, Mount Pleasant
- Marielle C. Gagnier, Birmingham
- Christopher C. Heffner, Plymouth, Minn.
- Alex C. Kreger, Brookfield, Wis.
- Jessica J. Liu, Canton
- Anupama A. Prasad, Troy
- Catherine Bailey Reidinger, Brevard, N.C.
- Emi Schackmann, Mount Clemens
- Jacob C. Walker, Lake in the Hills, Ill.
University Distinguished Scholars are:
- David Clatterbuck, Jacksonville, Ill.
- Brian Hoffer, Nashport, Ohio
- Adrian A. Valverde, Altamont, N.Y.
The students’ average high school GPA is approximately 4.21 on a 4.0 scale. The average ACT score is 35 (out of 36) and the average SAT score (critical reading plus math, only) is 1530 (out of 1600).
Alumni Distinguished Scholars were selected from more than 1,110 high school seniors who applied to MSU and took an intensive general knowledge exam. University Distinguished Scholars are chosen from MSU applicant pool based on academic record and accomplishments.
Alumni Distinguished Scholars were selected by a committee of faculty and administrators based on results of the scholarship exam, high school program and achievements, other standardized test scores and interviews with the finalists. University Distinguished Scholars are selected by the provost, director of admissions and dean of the Honors College on the basis of their high school program and achievements and standardized test scores.
For more information about the scholarships, visit www.honorscollege.msu.edu or www.admissions.msu.edu/finances/scholarships.merit.asp.
###
Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.