Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of three
articles profiling Eastern Michigan University's 16 Presidential
Scholars.
The Presidential Scholarship is a four-year award that
pays 30 credit hours (15 per semester) per year of in-state
tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees. Students
who receive these scholarships must live in University
residence halls the first two years of the award, complete
at least 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a 3.5
GPA.
Scholarship recipients 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 or a 3.5 to 3.69 GPA, with a
minimum 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner
also must complete a successful interview.
This year, 16 students were found deserving of the honor.
Profiles of the second five are provided below.
Corinne Galligan (Denmark, Wis.)
Corinne Galligan decided to attend EMU because of its
music therapy program and Julie Stone, a professor of flute
at the University.
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Galligan |
"She (Stone) and I clicked better than the other studio
professors I met at other schools," said Galligan.
Galligan has been playing the flute for eight years and
the tenor sax for seven. At EMU, she is involved in the
marching band, jazz ensemble, symphonic band and flute
studio. She also is rushing Kappa Kappa Psi, an honorary
coed fraternity that provides service for the bands.
Galligan wasn't exaggerating when she said music is her
life. She is currently taking 11 classes. She said many
of her music classes are only worth one credit, so she
has 15 total credit hours. Galligan is majoring in music
therapy and is considering a minor in psychology.
"I'm really interested in music and psychology, and music
therapy is the perfect mix of the two," said Galligan. "I
love helping people. I think that's what my purpose in
life is."
Galligan described herself as "super involved" in high
school. She was a member of Art Club, National Honor Society,
symphonic band, pep band, jazz ensemble and was co-editor
of the newspaper.
Galligan took as many advance placement classes as she
could. She came to EMU having already completed 44
college credits. Galligan graduated salutatorian
of her high school class with a 3.92 GPA.
Zachary Williamson (New Washington, Ohio)
The layout of EMU and already knowing people on campus
are two reasons Zachary Williamson decided to attend the
University.
Williamson has declared his major as computer science
and is considering pursuing a minor in Japanese. He said
he likes languages that are not similar to English because
it makes learning more interesting.
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Williamson |
"I've always been interested in computers and technology.
That interest goes way back and I always knew I wanted
to do something with computer science. There's a lot of
technology there," said Williamson.
While Williamson still is unsure of what he wants to do
when he graduates, he is considering working as a programmer.
"I've always liked the idea of doing programming for some
company," said Williamson. "If you know how to program
something, it gives you control that other people don't
have."
In high school, Williamson was part of the College-Now
program. He graduated with an associate's degree in engineering,
in addition to his high school diploma. He came to EMU
with more than 60 college credits already completed.
When he wasn't getting a jumpstart on his college career,
Williamson was involved with cross country and theatre.
He has been performing in plays since seventh grade.
"I've always liked acting," said Williamson. "Something
about becoming another person and putting on a show appeals
to me."
He plans to become involved in theatre and cross country
at EMU next year.
Ellen Weaver (Monroe, Mich.)
Ellen Weaver originally came to EMU because of the Presidential
Scholarship, but she also fell in love with the campus.
"I loved how it looked; the hills and the new Student
Center and the ponds. It's very scenic," said Weaver.
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Weaver |
Weaver has not declared her major as of yet, but is considering
something in the English department. English is a subject
she always has been good at and she thinks journalism may
be a good fit.
"I know that it would be cool to work for National Geographic," said
Weaver. "I could write for them."
Weaver is taking her first year at EMU to adjust to college
life and explore opportunities before she makes any big
decisions. She does miss soccer and theatre. The two activities
made up most of her high school experience.
Weaver played
soccer all four years of high school. She is currently
a referee at her local field. She referees the seven-year-old
players and recently revamped the program. Weaver said
she opened up the lines of communication between the
referees, players, coaches and parents.
"I would talk to the kids on the field a lot," said Weaver. "I
teach the new refs how to deal with the kids, which is
talking to them. You have to be able to work with everyone."
Weaver
has participated in 18 plays since sixth grade. Most
of them were with the community theatre in her hometown.
Once she finishes her freshman year, Weaver plans on returning
to her love of soccer and acting.
Zachary Smith (Troy, Ohio)
Eastern Michigan University's Study Abroad program was
the main reason Zachary Smith decided to come here. He
also has declared Spanish as his major.
"I took four years of it in high school and I enjoyed
it," said Smith. "I've always been fascinated by languages."
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Smith |
Smith is considering a minor in creative writing, but
is unsure of exactly what he wants to do with his degree.
"I'd be content anywhere, from teaching little kids English
in Spain to working with the South American government
to solve problems," said Smith.
Smith recently began drawing cartoons for the Eastern
Echo. He said his cartoons range from being political to
absurdist.
Being involved with a newspaper is nothing new for Smith.
He was the editor-in-chief of his high school newspaper
his senior year.
"I enjoyed the layout and design aspects the most," said
Smith. "I also enjoyed the general editing of bad articles."
Smith said he is considering expanding his duties at the
Echo to include writing. He also wants to become involved
with the Eagle Radio, the student-run campus radio station.
Smith said he is "forever curious" and enjoys learning.
During high school, Smith also was a member of the Writing
Club, played the violin in his school's orchestra, and
the drums and guitar in a band with friends. Writing and
music always have been his two passions, he said.
Anarosa Mendoza-King (Detroit, Mich.)
The music therapy program at EMU was what made Anarosa
Mendoza-King decide to attend the University. She said
that EMU is one of three schools in the state that has
the program.
"I like that you can use music as a means to heal people," said
Mendoza-King.
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Mendoza-King |
Mendoza-King said that music has always been a part of
her life and she always has wanted to help people. A major
in music therapy allows her to do both.
"I want to work with teenagers who are depressed or have
emotional problems," said Mendoza-King.
Mendoza-King has played the tuba for eight years and the
piano for 10. Her mother originally made her take lessons
to learn an instrument, but she said she really enjoys
playing both now.
Mendoza-King spent her winter break in Florida during
February. Unlike a lot of students who go for the sun and
the beach, she worked at the Peace River Refuge, near Zolfo
Springs, as part of Alternative Spring Break.
"I feel like, when you have the time, you should use is
productively," said Mendoza-King. "You get to help out
and make a small difference in a few days."
In high school, Mendoza-King was a member of National
Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions and
Environmental Club. She also played with the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra's Civic Philharmonic, Civic Wind Ensemble and
Civic Sinfonia.
