Eastern Michigan University names Kazimir Reszetar 2024 Presidential Scholar

Reszetar joins roster of 21 exemplary students in spotlight series

Kazimir Reszetar photo

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Kazimir Reszetar, a resident of Milan, Michigan, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Reszetar is one of 21 exceptional students selected for this prestigious honor, awarded to top-performing first-year students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to their communities.

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. 

"The most meaningful part of this award is the financial freedom it provides me to focus on my academics and community," said Reszetar. "It allows me to volunteer my time to help others in biology and biochemistry, giving back to the organizations that helped me get to where I am today."

Reszetar graduated from the Early College Alliance at EMU and is pursuing two degrees in biology and biochemistry. In high school, Reszetar was involved in several different research projects in the early college program. He was also a part of Diversiteam and a peer mentor for the Early College Alliance program. Outside of EMU, Reszetar volunteered in different wildlife conservation projects and garden maintenance. After EMU, Reszetar will be applying for his PhD in schools across the world.

Reszetar is currently working on a project with EMU biology professor Katherine Greenwald, where he is investigating unisexual salamander mating rituals. “They mate with members of multiple other salamander species, adding those genomes to their own," said Reszetar. "They end up with more than the normal two genomes that humans and other species have, creating not a species but a lineage." 

"We are excited to have such an impressive group of scholars join us at EMU and the Honors College 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, and they have all pledged to give back to EMU through their work in the classroom, student organizations, and campus offices.”

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is aligned with the University's commitment to promoting student success and engagement so students can achieve their academic goals while positively impacting the world.

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.

November 12, 2024

Written by:
Ellie Cartwright

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401