emu presidential scholar series 2012-13

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Nov. 8, 2012

Contact: Emily [email protected]

734.487.6895

Presidential Scholar from Ohio dreamsof following in her motherʼs footsteps

Rachel Bentley, 18, grew up wanting to follow in her motherʼs footsteps and become a teacher.

Thanks to Eastern Michigan University, Bentleyʼs dreams are a few footsteps closer to coming

true.

Bentley is one of 16 new Presidential Scholars at Eastern. The Presidential Scholarship is an

elite four-year award that pays for 30 credit hours of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance

and mandatory fees.

“I love working with children,” said Bentley, of Cincinnati, Ohio. “My mom is a teacher. For as

long as I can remember, I have wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

Bentley wants to teach math and Spanish to students, she says. When she was younger she

never really liked math, and Spanish excites her.

“I struggled with math,” said Bentley. “After a series of good teachers, I realized that I really

loved math and it was something that I was good at doing. I want other kids, especially girls, to

have the opportunity to come to this realization as well.”

Bentleyʼs goal of helping students doesnʼt stop at teaching math. She wants to teach and help

students in urban schools as well.

“By getting students in an urban school to like and appreciate math more, I could really make a

difference in the lives of a lot of people,” Bentley said.

In addition to academics, Bentley spends time as a member of the University Choir, the running

club and VISION (Volunteers Incorporating Service into Our Neighborhood).

“Iʼm part of a lot of volunteer programs through VISION, including the pen pal program,” Bentley

said. I have been assigned a student in 3rd or 4th grade at one of the area elementary schools

that I write letters to throughout the school year. The students get to come spend a day with us

at Eastern later this year. Iʼm excited because I have been matched with a Hispanic student and

must correspond with him in Spanish.”

* * * * *




Nov. 8, 2012


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 Easternʼs 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.”

Siddiquiʼs 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 Hallʼs Leadership Advisory Board, on the Residence Hall Associationʼs 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.”

* * * * *




Nov. 9, 2012


734.487.6895

Presidential Scholar pursues passion for readingand 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 Easternʼs 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 schoolʼs 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.

Hallenbeckʼs love for writing is especially helpful in her job as a copy editor at The Eastern

Echo , the Universityʼs 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 EMU ̓ s 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.

* * * * *




Nov. 9, 2012


734.487.6895

Indiana native, EMU Presidential Scholar

jumps into freshman year

Busy is the best word to describe Eastern Michigan University freshman Hannah Hilbert.

Hilbert, 20, is involved with the forensics team, the Poetry Society, VISION, German Club and is

a campus tour guide. In addition, she is also a Presidential Scholar – an elite four-year that

gives a select few students 30 credit hours per year of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance

and mandatory fees.

“I chose Eastern because the forensics team is one of the best in the nation,” said Hilbert, who

comes to Eastern from Fishers, Ind. “People I met both on the team and across campus as a

whole have been extremely friendly and accepting.”

Hilbert has already gotten off to a great start in on-campus activities. She participated in the

Poetry Societyʼs “Do What You Do” talent show event in October and in March, she will travel to

Atlanta, Ga. for Alternative Spring Break (ASB) with VISION.

“We will be working refugee children,” said Hilbert. “Weʼll be providing tutoring services and

other educational support.”

Hilbert, who has a double major in anthropology and English linguistics, has plans to live abroad

after she graduates, and she has already been making study abroad plans, too.

“I studied abroad in Ecuador for an entire year between junior and senior year of high school,”

said Hilbert. “I have plans to study abroad in Germany through Easternʼs study abroad program

and possibly in an African nation for linguistic research.”

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.

* * * * *




Nov. 9, 2012


734.487.6895

Eastern Michigan freshman, presidential scholarcontinues a family tradition

Eastern Michigan University is a family affair for freshman Taylor Gakle of Saline, Mich.

Her parents met at Eastern, her uncles graduated from the University and her sister is currently

enrolled in the College of Business. But, family ties arenʼt what persuaded Gakle to attend the

University.

“Everyone was so friendly,” Gakle said. “They took my questions seriously and treated me better

than any other college I had visited. I felt very comfortable on the campus and thought that I

could really accomplish great things here. After being here for a few months, I am confident that

I will.”

Gakle, a nursing major, is also one of Easternʼs 16 Presidential Scholars. The Presidential

Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours per year of in-state tuition,

housing, food allowance and mandatory fees.

“I have always wanted to do something in the healthcare field and started seriously considering

nursing my freshman year of high school after being in the hospital,” said Gakle. “Since then, it

has been the only thing I can see myself doing.”

Gakle lives on campus as part of her scholarship and also is a member of the community

service organization VISION (Volunteers Incorporating Service into Our Neighborhoods).

“I volunteered with VISION and really enjoyed working in the community,” said Gakle. “I look

forward to continuing to be a part of that organization. I also personally think that my residence

hall is the best hall there is.”





* * * * *




Nov. 9, 2012


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 freshmanʼs 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 in-

state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees.

Hiskins, originally from Newcastle, Australia, graduated from Huron High School in Ann Arbor,

Mich.

“Easternʼs 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, Iʼm

really looking forward to getting to know many more people and just continue my education

activities.”





* * * * *




Nov. 12, 2012


734.487.6895

Eastern Michigan Presidential Scholarʼs 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 canʼt 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 Eastern ʼ s annual Presidential Scholarship Competition




* * * * *




Nov. 12, 2012


734.487.6895

Presidential Scholarship gives new

EMU freshman opportunities to succeed

Emily Lundh, a freshman at Eastern Michigan University, doesnʼt know quite yet where she is

going, but she knows how she is going to get there.

Lundh, 18, graduated from Salem High School in Canton, Mich. and is one of 16 new

Presidential Scholars at Eastern this year. The Presidential Scholarship is a four-year award

that pays 30 credit hours per year of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory

fees.

“Eastern offers a large variety of majors and minors, which is good because Iʼm undecided and

need options,” said Lundh. “Eastern is close to home which is good because Iʼm very close to

my family.”

Despite not knowing what academic path she wants to travel, Lundh has become active oncampus as a Fast Track group leader and through VISIONʼs Alternative Spring Break, she says

“Getting to experience so many things at college and meeting so many people has been a

highlight,” Lundh said. “Iʼm most looking forward to going on Alternative Spring Break and

learning more in my classes.”

Lundh, a member of the Eastern Michigan womenʼs soccer team, is grateful for the scholarship

and opportunity at Eastern, she says.

“I am thankful for my scholarship and canʼt wait for four great years at Eastern,” Lundh said. “I

just want to be happy and love what I do.”



have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT score or 1,150 SAT score. Each

scholarship winner must also complete a successful interview.

* * * * *




Nov. 13, 2012


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 studentsʼ success and making a connection with them. That is very important to

me.”

Browne isnʼt 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 canʼt 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.”





* * * * *




Nov. 14, 2012


734.487.6895

EMU Presidential Scholar dreams of improving schools

Samantha Weaver, a freshman at Eastern Michigan University, wants to improve schools.

Weaver, 18, had an awakening in high school when she participated in the Generation of

Promise program sponsored by Focus: Hope. As part of the program, she got to tour the City of

Detroit to learn about diversity, cultural awareness and problems in the city, she says. She was

even paired up with a friend in the program and was set to visit her friendʼs school. But,

something unexpected happened.

“My parents didnʼt let me go. I was devastated and embarrassed that they didnʼt allow me to go

to her school, but they thought that it would not be safe,” said Weaver, who grew up in Lake

Orion, Mich. “I couldnʼt wrap my head around this at first, because I had always known school

as a safe place, but I realized that other people havenʼt had the same experience.”

Weaver quickly realized that her school was a new building and there were computer labs in

every hallway, but not ever student is fortunate enough to get that type of an education she

says. This realization is what made Weaver want to teach.

Weaverʼs desire to help improve schools and education has been given a huge step forward

thanks to being awarded the Presidential Scholarship from Eastern.

The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours per year of in-

state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees.

“I want to change schools like the ones I visited – and didnʼt get to visit – during my time in

Generation of Promise,” Weaver said. “I want to make schools a better place, because everyone

should have a safe environment to learn in.”

“I am very thankful to have received the scholarship,” said Weaver. “When I came to visit, I kept

picturing myself walking around here and living here and I realized that this place could be my

new home.”

* * * * *




Nov. 15, 2012


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 overwhelmingat first, but Iʼm 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 McCormackʼs parents earned their bachelorʼs 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.

“Itʼs 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.”

* * * * *




Nov. 15, 2012


734.487.6895

Eastern Michigan Presidential Scholar dancesher 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 Easternʼs 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.

“Iʼm 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.”

Clevengerʼs 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 hostagenegotiation.

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 studentsʼ 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.”

* * * * *




Dec. 26, 2012


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 GrandRapids, 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 andbegan 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 favoritepieces 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 open-

mindedness. 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.

* * * * *




Jan. 9, 2013


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,” saidRoy, 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.

“Itʼs 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 StudentAssociation at Eastern and holds an off-campus job as a nursesʼ 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

studentʼs needs,” said Roy. “The beautiful people and kind, hard-working people makes Eastern

the place for me.”



have either a 3.7 GPA, with a minimum of a 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score.

* * * * *




Jan. 9, 2013


734.487.6895

Presidential Scholar comes to Eastern

for research opportunities

Eastern Michigan University students participate in all areas of research, and freshman Ryan

Goodcase, 19, made his decision to attend the University because thatʼs what he wants to do

for the rest of his life.

“I would like to be a research neuroscientist, someone who studies the brain,” said Goodcase, a

Presidential Scholar from Novi, Mich. “I am extremely interested in doing research and Eastern

made it clear that undergraduate research was important to them as well.”

The Presidential Scholarship is an elite four-year award that pays 30 credit hours of in-state

tuition, room and board and mandatory fees.

Goodcase, a double major in psychology and biochemistry, has a goal – to discover the hidden

aspects of what makes the brain function.

“It would involve investigating what parts of the brain are responsible for what functions,”Goodcase said. “This type of research would help with the development of drugs or other

treatments that would help combat neurological disorders. This goes hand-in-hand with the type

of research I would be interested in doing on campus.”

During his freshman year, Goodcase has attended meetings of the philosophy, biology and

chemistry clubs, as well as the group Students for an Ethical Participatory Education .

“It is great being in a community with so many people with unique interests and backgrounds,”

he said. “Iʼm really excited to begin some undergraduate research.”

Presidential Scholars are selected during Eastern ʼ

s annual Presidential Scholarship Competition in December. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must


* * * * *




Jan. 9, 2013


734.487.6895

Eastern Michigan Presidential Scholar

dreams of becoming a doctor

Eastern Michigan University freshman Alexa Salsbury has dreams of being a doctor. Her

dreams a few steps closer to coming true thanks to the Presidential Scholarship, an elite four-

year award that pays for 30 credit hours of tuition, room and board and mandatory fees.

Salsbury, a biochemistry and toxicology major, has always found the medical field to be

fascinating and wants to be a trauma surgeon.

“Many people find a pre-med major to be rigorous,” she said. “I really love challenging myself.

The profession is so dynamic. As a trauma surgeon, I would have the variety to work with a

variety of different people.”

A native of Delta, Ohio, Salsbury chose Eastern after learning how approachable her professors

would be, she says.

Not all of her time is spent studying, though. Salsbury is also a member of the chemistry cluband plays volleyball.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to meet so many people,” said Salsbury. “I am looking forward to

helping run the Presidential Scholarship Competition.”




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emu presidential scholar series 2012-13

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