Two incoming first-year College of Arts & Letters students have been awarded Michigan State University’s highly competitive Alumni Distinguished Scholarships, which cover full tuition, room and board, and a stipend for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study.

This year, MSU awarded its annual Alumni Distinguished Scholarships to 13 top incoming first-year students. Among those students are:

• Zachary Bigelow of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who graduated from Cary Academy and plans to major in German offered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures in the College of Arts & Letters. At his high school, Bigelow was active in Model U.N. and crew.
• Julia Bolash of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, who graduated from Rolling Meadows High School and plans to major in Experience Architecture offered by the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures in the College of Arts & Letters. At her high school, Bolash was active in theatre as a stage manager, student producer, and actor. She served as captain of the Speech & Acting Team, editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and a member of the Building Equity Leadership Team.

“Out of all the colleges I considered, MSU offered me opportunities that made me genuinely excited for my future to begin. MSU’s beautiful campus, prioritization of inclusivity, and a diverse student body sealed the deal,” Bolash said. “I look forward to conducting research alongside incredible faculty in the Experience Architecture program, learning with a group of motivated students, and involving myself in the meaningful work being done by Spartans around the globe.”

Bigelow and Bolash were selected from approximately 1,200 of the top high school seniors who applied to MSU. They wrote short essay responses, took an intensive general knowledge exam, and participated in interviews with the selection committee.

MSU also awarded its University Distinguished Scholarships to five other incoming first-year students. The University Distinguished Scholarships also cover full tuition, room and board, and a stipend for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. University Distinguished Scholars were selected by a committee from all MSU applicants based on high school programs, achievements, and interviews with the finalists.

“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s brilliant Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars to out campus. Our commitment is to support these outstanding students, providing them with all the tools and encouragement they need to excel as proud Spartans.”

John Ambrose, MSU Executive Director of Admissions

MSU’s Alumni and University Distinguished Scholarships are considered some of the most competitive awards in the country, valued at approximately $140,000 for in-state students and $240,000 for out-of-state students.

Each Alumni and University Distinguished Scholarship recipient also receives a spot in MSU’s Honors College’s Professorial Assistantship Program, which provides a two-year research placement with a faculty member.

“MSU gives me the opportunity to explore my varied academic interests and find the path that’s right for my future,” Bigelow said.

The newest Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars come from nine different states and three countries. They are pursuing degrees across eight MSU colleges.

“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s brilliant Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars to out campus,” said John Ambrose, MSU Executive Director of Admissions. “Our commitment is to support these outstanding students, providing them with all the tools and encouragement they need to excel as proud Spartans.”

For a complete list of this year’s Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars, see the Honors College website, which originally published the announcement about the Alumni and University Distinguished Scholars for the MSU Incoming Class of 2024.

More information on the Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Competition can be found on the Admissions website.

Written by Melanie Brender