EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Alex Pizaña, a resident of Adrian, Michigan, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Pizaña 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.

“I am extremely grateful to have been awarded this scholarship,” said Pizaña. “With this support, I am able to fully dedicate myself to becoming an educator who positively impacts my community and future students.”

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 scholarship opportunity is aligned with EMU’s commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals while positively impacting the world.

Pizaña graduated from Madison High School where he found his passion for education. In high school, Pizaña participated in the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center’s Education Careers program, assisting 5th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms. Beyond being a student tutor at his school, Pizaña also participated in the Educators Rising program, doing community service projects such as Love for Lenawee and Hope for Haiti. At EMU, Pizaña plans to pursue a degree in secondary education. 

“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.”

Pizaña hopes to use his time at Eastern to uplift himself and his community. “Being welcomed into this community has made my transition into college so enjoyable. I will use my scholarship to empower my community and grow as a future educator.” 

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, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 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.