Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EMU Presidential Scholar Series 2012-13
EMU Presidential Scholar Series 2012-13
EMU Presidential Scholar Series 2012-13
6895
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 8, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Eastern Michigan Presidential Scholar, world traveler enjoys first year of college
Mohammad Siddiqui, 18, has traveled the globe. In his life, he has lived in Pakistan, Dubai, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and, finally, Canton, Mich. Siddiqui is now settled at Eastern Michigan University as a freshman. He is majoring in psychology and biology in the pre-med track and hopes to be a psychiatrist. He is also one of the recipients of Easterns prestigious Presidential Scholarship. The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours per academic year of in-state tuition, housing food allowance and mandatory fees. I have always wanted to explore the world, said Siddiqui. I am looking forward to traveling abroad a lot. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to not worry about the financial aspect of paying for classes, but to work and save money to experience the world around me. Siddiqui loves the University and is grateful for the professors and people he has met. He is thankful for the research opportunities he will receive as an upperclassman, he says. There are opportunities for research which allow for out-of-class experience instead of going to classes and being forced to just go with the course, he said. You get to be passionate about what you love. Siddiquis experience at Eastern has been one that every freshman student dreams of from the scholarship, to the residence halls to enjoying football games. He is vice president of Downing Halls Leadership Advisory Board, on the Residence Hall Associations program board and he keeps a part-time job at Rite-Aid Pharmacy. The highlight of my first year at Eastern so far has to be the first football game when all of my friends go together and went as a group, Siddiqui says. It was amazing to see so many people just happy and enthusiastic about their school. It was an experience I will never forget. * * * * *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Presidential Scholar pursues passion for reading and writing at Eastern Michigan University
A passion for reading and writing is what brought freshman Shelby Hallenbeck of Flat Rock, Mich. to Eastern Michigan University. Hallenbeck, 18, is a literature and creative writing major and wants to be a professor of literature. She is also one of 16 Presidential Scholars at the University. The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours per academic year of in-state tuition, housing food allowance and mandatory fees. I well in love with Easterns campus in high school, said Hallenbeck. I attended the Inkstains Writing Camp for four years in a row and that was how I recognized the schools strong English department. She loves to read (Toni Morrison and John Green are among her favorite authors) and write fiction. She has even participated in the National Novel Writing Month, a contest in which participants are challenged to write a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. Hallenbecks love for writing is especially helpful in her job as a copy editor at The Eastern Echo, the Universitys student-run newspaper. I have never had a real job before, said Hallenbeck. Being able to do a job I enjoy and getting a paycheck every other week makes me feel independent. Presidential Scholars are selected during EMUs annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner must also complete a successful interview.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Dreams of teaching in underdeveloped countries drive Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholar
Elise Hiskins, 18, dreams of teaching children in under-developed countries. Thanks to Eastern Michigan University and her Presidential Scholarship, the freshmans dreams may come true sooner than she expected. The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours per year of instate tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees. Hiskins, originally from Newcastle, Australia, graduated from Huron High School in Ann Arbor, Mich. Easterns education program is top ranked and I want to get a degree in teaching, said Hiskins, an early childhood education major. This is the right place to come for that. Outside of her studies, Hiskins enjoys swing dancing, European history and reading. She is also involved with His House, a Christian fellowship group. His House has been a really great part of my experience at Eastern, said Hiskins. But, Im really looking forward to getting to know many more people and just continue my education activities. Presidential Scholars are selected during EMUs annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner must also complete a successful interview.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 12, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Eastern Michigan Presidential Scholars freshman year brings memories to last a lifetime
Eastern Michigan University freshman Shahana Ahmed, 17, is having the time of her life at college. Ahmed, of Warren, Mich., is majoring in biology and chemistry to pursue her goal of becoming an optometrist. She is also one of 16 Presidential Scholars at the University this year. The Presidential Scholarship, is an elite four-year award that pays 30 hours of in-state tuition, housing food allowance and mandatory fees. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me and cant wait for what Eastern has to offer, Ahmed said. Everyone is eager to help and there is just something about Eastern that gives a student an air of hope and a promise that, through Eastern, they will go far. Ahmed spends most of her time studying, but she is also a henna tattoo artist and sings. She hopes to become a New Student Orientation Assistant and join both the pre-med and Muslim clubs as she becomes more adjusted to college life. But, the highlight of her year at Eastern has been all of her new friends, she says. I have made crazy friends this year, said Ahmed. In all my years, I have never laughed so hard and enjoyed school. Even though my classes challenge me, my new friends and the discovery of more friends keeps life on its toes. I can honestly say that some days when I wake up, anything can happen. Presidential Scholars are selected during Easterns annual Presidential Scholarship Competition in December. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner must also complete a successful interview.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 12, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 13, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
New freshman, Presidential Scholar looks forward to new experiences and opportunities
Tiffany Browne, 18, has a dream to teach English. Now, after winning a Presidential Scholarship to Eastern Michigan University, her dreams are a few steps closer to coming true. Browne, is majoring in language, literature and writing. She is also considering minors in both psychology and Teaching as a Second Language (TESOL). She graduated from Garden City High School in Garden City, Mich. I am focused on transitioning into college life, said Browne. The faculty and staff here truly care about their students success and making a connection with them. That is very important to me. Browne isnt currently involved in any student organizations, because she wants to focus on academics and getting into the groove of college living. But, she says, she cant wait to start getting more involved on campus. The highlight of my first year at Eastern has been meeting so many incredible people and being exposed to so much new knowledge, Browne said. And, I am so thankful for those who helped me get to this point in my life and I am excited to take advantage of every amazing opportunity. Presidential Scholars are selected during EMUs annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner must also complete a successful interview. * * * * *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 14, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 15, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Eastern Michigan freshman, Presidential Scholar enjoying experiences and freedoms that college brings
Isabelle McCormack, 18, a freshman at Eastern Michigan University, loves being at college and the freedom that college brings. I love the freedom and independence of college, McCormack said. It was a little overwhelming at first, but Im starting to enjoy the liberties of becoming an adult. I am able to make my own decisions and learn from my mistakes. I would have gone to college a long time ago if I knew it would be this much fun. McCormack, of Canton, Mich., is one of 16 new Presidential Scholars at Eastern Michigan University. The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays for 30 credit hours per year of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees. Both of McCormacks parents earned their bachelors degrees from the University, as well as most of her extended family. My family has a long tradition of attending Eastern, McCormack said. I wanted to carry on the family tradition as well as stay close to home. McCormack is studying nursing with the hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner so she can work with children. She also likes volunteering with animal rescue organizations in the community. One of my true passions is volunteering for animal resume organizations such as Homeward Bound Rescue League, said McCormack. I hope to become a foster parent to homeless dogs and possibly open my own dog rescue one day. McCormack is focusing on getting adjusted to college life and balancing her course load, but she loves living in the residence halls, she says. Its been a great experience living here, said McCormack. The people are welcoming and friendly. There are always activities to participate in and the rooms are cozy. It feels like home. * * * * *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 15, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Eastern Michigan Presidential Scholar dances her way through her freshman year
Eastern Michigan University freshman Danielle Clevenger of Rochester, Mich. is more than just a dancer. Clevenger, 18, is one of Easterns 16 Presidential Scholars and dreams of becoming a forensic psychologist. The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays for 30 credit hours per year of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees. Im working on being able to observe a class with Professor Edward Sidlow who teaches in a local prison, said Clevenger, who has a double major in psychology and dance with a minor in criminology. I really like how psychology can be used in the criminal justice system. Clevengers interest in psychology came after she did research on micro facial analysis coding, she says. She enjoyed the ideas behind it show they were using it in interrogations to spot lies and were working on applying it to other things within the law and in situations like hostage negotiation. Clevenger is also helping to choreograph musicals at Eastern (including Urinetown) as well as working as a tour guide and volunteering with the Teaching Learning Academy (TLA), an organization dedicated to improving students learning. It is completely true that my majors are an odd combination, Clevenger said. I absolutely love to dance and teach it as well. I thought I would give it up at the end of high school, but my mom told me that fear was a stupid reason not to try something so I decided to add it as a second major. She came to Eastern at the advice of her mother who told her to choose a college where she felt the most comfortable, says Clevenger. All the different things Eastern has to offer has really allowed me to grow and blossom, she said. I could see myself living and working and thriving at Eastern. For the record, I was right. * * * * *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 26, 2012 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Sophisticated Whimsy: Presidential Scholar brings a sense of color and humor to clothing
Fashion design is her dream and she hopes to transform society by bringing a sense of color and humor back into our clothing. Her name is Nikki Lomonaco, a 17-year-old Eastern Michigan University freshman from Grand Rapids, Mich. and she feels she has a unique vision to offer to the fashion industry. She is also one of 16 recipients of Eastern's Presidential Scholarship, an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours per year of in-state tuition, room and board and mandatory fees. "I spend all of my time sewing. People ask where my inspiration comes from and I tell them the truth," says Lomonaco, a fashion design, merchandising and textiles major. "I have so much excitement inside of my soul that if I didn't express it, I would explode." Lomonaco's interest in fashion design came after she left a uniform-required Catholic school and began attending Wyoming Park High School. She "felt ugly" wearing jeans and T-shirts and began to make her own clothing, she says. "My mom had always sewn and taught me construction skills as I began to make my own clothing," Lomonaco says. "I classify my personal design aesthetic as 'sophisticated whimsy,' which combines well-constructed silhouettes with lighthearted prints and bright color combinations." While Lomonaco does design and wear a great deal of her own clothing, she doesn't wear her own designs exclusively. She still stops at stores for basic items. "I make the majority of my clothing, like my leggings and skirts," says Lomonaco. "My favorite pieces of clothing are definitely ones that I've made myself." In addition to designing her own clothing, she sells her designs and offers alteration services to other students at Eastern. She admires Elsa Schiaparelli, a "risk-taking" Italian fashion designer in the 1900s, and her "beautiful clothing with whimsical themes."
Lomonaco, has enjoyed her time at Eastern so far, in large part to the great culture and diversity she has been exposed to. This year, she has learned about the Islamic and Jewish cultures, including how to sing in Hebrew, she says. "I love becoming friends with people who view life differently than I do, who have a different sent of values that they choose to live by," Lomonaco says. "I value individuality and openmindedness. I love the diversity and community atmosphere of Eastern's campus." Presidential Scholars are selected during Eastern's annual Presidential Scholarship Competition in December. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner must also complete a successful interview.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 9, 2013 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
Merging of culture, academics propels Presidential Scholar to develop her future career
Culture is an important part of life, but for Eastern Michigan University freshman Yukiko Roy, 18, culture is her life. My parents are both big on traveling and experiencing new ideas, places and people, said Roy, a native of South Lyon, Mich. My parents raised all three of us children as bilingual students and have introduced us to a various cultures and ways of life since we were young. Roy is a double major in Japanese and nursing as well as one of 16 new Presidential Scholars at Eastern. The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours of in-state tuition, room and board and mandatory fees. During the summers, Roy would spend three months overseas with her family near Nagasaki, Japan in a small town where her mother grew up, she says. Its a place near and dear to my heart, said Roy. I have a close relationship with the family, good friends and the area in general. Roy wants to become a nurse anesthetist and work near Nagasaki or anywhere in the United States. Nursing draws me because, over the years, whatever I did that was fun and rewarding always had something in common: helping people, Roy said. I looked into nursing as a possible career and found it to be a great way to spend my life. Not only to help raise children, but to help anyone live a good, healthy life. In addition to focusing on her studies, Roy is also involved with the Japanese Student Association at Eastern and holds an off-campus job as a nurses assistant at a retirement community. She is happy with choosing Eastern because of the atmosphere and people, she says.
There are a number of great resources here that make studying for classes more fitted to every students needs, said Roy. The beautiful people and kind, hard-working people makes Eastern the place for me. Presidential Scholars are selected during Easterns annual Presidential Scholarship Competition in December. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. * * * * *
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 9, 2013 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 9, 2013 Contact: Emily Vontom evontom@emich.edu 734.487.6895
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