EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University is proud to announce that Elisha Finitzer, a resident of Macomb, Michigan, has been named a Presidential Scholar for 2024. Finitzer is one of only 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 four-year room and board. 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. 

"While going through the interviewing process, I realized how many accomplishments I have achieved,” said Finitzer. "It makes me proud to know that everything I worked for, all the time and effort I put into things throughout high school was worth the stress.” 

Finitzer graduated from Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies and is pursuing a degree in biology and plans to become a physician assistant. Finitzer participated in the National Honors Society, the Social Studies Olympiad, figure skating, and soccer in high school. She was also a part of her church’s youth group and volunteered for many organizations, including Shepherd’s Gate Church,  Work and Play Disability Community Center and Macomb Autism Connect, to name a few. Additionally, Finitzer was a part of the Health Occupation Students of America club, where she earned a silver medal at the Health Career Photography event during the Regional Leadership Conference. 

Finitzer is currently a part of EMU’s Women’s Club Soccer team, Eastern’s His House Christian Fellowship, and EMU’s College Knitting and Crochet Club. "I love being in an environment with other academically motivated students," said Finitzer. "I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to my time at EMU."

"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.