Graduating senior receives a full scholarship to attend Michigan State University
A graduating senior at Rolling Meadows High School has received a full scholarship to attend Michigan State University (MSU) beginning this fall.
Julia Zera of Arlington Heights, Illinois plans to major in Mathematics at MSU.
"The people I've met at MSU events, both faculty and students, have been some of the best people I've encountered, and I wanted to be a part of this community," Zera said.
During her time at Rolling Meadows High School, Zera was a member of the Math Team, Chess Team, and Scholastic Bowl. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, a member of National Honor Society, a National AP Scholar, and she received the National Italian Exam Gold Award and Senior Medallions in mathematics, Italian, and English-writing.
Zera was selected from more than 1,300 of the top high school seniors who applied to MSU, participated in interviews and took an intensive general knowledge exam this past winter.
In all, 17 incoming MSU students have been awarded an Alumni Distinguished Scholarship or University Distinguished Scholarship that will cover full tuition, room and board, and a stipend for up to eight semesters of study.
"We are delighted to welcome all of the Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars as well as all of those who took part in the selection processes this year," said Dr. Matthew Zierler, Interim Dean of the Honors College. "These students have already demonstrated a high level of achievement and intellectual curiosity, and we are looking forward to them bringing their talents and excitement to the Honors College and MSU."
The scholarships are valued at about $130,000 for in-state students and approximately $230,000 for out-of-state students.
"Michigan State University is excited to have this year's Alumni Distinguished Scholars join our community of student scholars, faculty and staff," said MSU director of Admissions, John Ambrose. "As each of the Alumni Distinguished Scholars prepares to take the next step in their journey to make the world a better place, we want them to know that we are prepared to go the distance with them this next four years and do our part in creating opportunities, sharing in discovery and reveling in the possibilities for the future together -because SPARTANS WILL!