Michigan State University has awarded comprehensive scholarships to seven exceptional incoming first-year international students. University Distinguished Scholarships were initiated in 2000, and the inaugural Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarships have enabled more students than ever to receive full merit awards to MSU.

“These incoming students reflect Spartan excellence,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “By investing in their futures, Michigan State is not only opening the doors for student success – we’re serving as a greater talent activator, strengthening the future of our communities, our state, and our world.”

The scholarships cover full tuition, room and board and a stipend for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. They are considered some of the most competitive awards in the country.

Each awardee also receives a spot in the MSU Honors College’s Professorial Assistantship program, which provides a two-year paid research placement with a faculty member.

“With access to world-class research opportunities, these fifty scholars will collaborate with faculty on groundbreaking work that addresses real-world challenges,” said MSU Honors College Interim Dean Glenn Chambers, Ph.D. “Their ideas, curiosity and drive will fuel discoveries that reach far beyond campus. We can’t wait to see and support the impact these Honors College Spartans will make.”

“These students didn’t just meet expectations – they challenged them. They’re researchers, advocates, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers before even setting foot on campus. At MSU, we believe in giving them the space, support and opportunities to turn big ideas into real-world impact. We can’t wait to welcome them into a community that celebrates ambition, creativity and collaboration,” said MSU Executive Director of Admissions John Ambrose.

In total, seven countries are represented across the three colleges where they will be pursuing their degrees.

University Distinguished Scholars

The executive director of admissions and the interim dean of the Honors College selected University Distinguished Scholars from a pool of all MSU applicants based on high school programs, achievements and finalist interviews.

MSU’s international University Distinguished Scholar is:

• Aleksandr Skorkin of Secondary School 14 and Krasnogorsk, Russia. Skorkin plans to major in astrophysics through the College of Natural Science.

Williams Scholars

The Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Scholarship is named after the university’s inaugural president and first lady. Guskiewicz and MSU announced the creation of the scholarship program in his investiture speech last September. Williams Scholars followed the same selection process as Alumni Distinguished Scholars: applying to MSU, submitting essays, taking a general knowledge exam and interviewing with a faculty-staff committee.

MSU’s international Williams Scholars are:

• Anja Beck of Stuttgart High School and Stuttgart, Germany. Beck plans to major in biosystems engineering through the College of Engineering
• Yesi Jad Madeit Doctolero of Philippine Science High School’s Southern Mindanao Campus and Davao City in the Philippines. Doctolero plans to major in physics through the College of Natural Science.
• Nandini Jaithalia of Neerja Modi School and Jaipur, India. Jaithalia plans to major in journalism through the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
• Ethan Tyaba Kigundu of Aga Khan High School and Kampala, Uganda. Kigundu plans to major in actuarial science through the College of Natural Science.
• Juan Pablo Lozano Gonzalez of Colegio Los Portales and Villavicencio, Colombia. Gonzalez plans to major in mechanical engineering through the College of Engineering.
• Ana Toradze of Komarovi Physics and Mathematics School N199 and Tbilisi in the country of Georgia. Toradze plans to major in electrical engineering through the College of Engineering.

This content was repurposed from MSU Honors College. Read the full announcement here.