EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Aya Sabri, an international student from Yemen, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Sabri is one of only 21 exemplary students selected for this honor, awarded to top-performing first-year students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to their communities.

“My college life would not have been the same if I hadn't been given this opportunity,” said Sabri. “The scholarship equips me with the tools for self-development and a thriving future.”

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is the most prestigious award, valued at up to $100K. The scholarship covers full tuition, fees, and room and board for four years. Presidential Scholars are active and engaged members of The Honors College at EMU, complementing their academic college experience with further opportunities for critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership. 

Sabri graduated from Ajyal Almareefah International School, where she parallelly self-studied to obtain an International General Certificate of Secondary Education from Britain. At Eastern, Sabri plans to pursue a degree in neuroscience. Throughout her high school career, Sabri founded the External Students Help Team and has devoted more than125 hours in community service for initiatives such as the Joy and Happiness entertainment initiative for children, tourism introduction, and the We Dream and Achieve initiative.

“We are excited to have such an impressive group of scholars join us at EMU this fall,” said Ann Eisenberg, dean of the Honors College. “They come from different backgrounds, cultures, and countries, but they all share a passion for learning, service, and leadership. They are an impressive bunch as well, with a mean SAT score of 1320 and an average high school GPA of 4.02.”

Sabri also works with EMU chemistry professor Hedeel Evans, helping with research and gaining hands-on laboratory experience. “This valuable opportunity means new experiences, skills, and abilities for me to learn and grow from.”

Qualified students can apply for the Presidential Scholarship during their senior year of high school. For more information about the Presidential Scholarship, visit the webpage. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.