Ann Arbor Times

Maryam Al-Zawawi of Ypsilanti, Michigan, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Presidential Scholarship at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). She is one of 20 first-year students selected for this honor. The group of scholars achieved an average ACT score of 28, SAT score of 1280, and a grade point average of 4.11.

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is valued at up to $100,000 and covers full tuition, fees, and four years of room and board. Recipients participate in The Honors College at EMU, which provides additional opportunities for critical thinking, community engagement, and leadership development.

Ann Eisenberg, dean of The Honors College, stated: "The Honors College is delighted to welcome 20 wonderful young people as Presidential Scholars for 2025. Each of them has been selected for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership experience, and dedication to community engagement. We expect them to leave a lasting legacy at EMU."

Al-Zawawi said that the scholarship motivates her to pursue excellence in academics and leadership while representing EMU and her community. "Receiving this recognition gave me a sense of validation for the hard work and dedication I put into my academics and leadership throughout high school,” she said. “It also brought me excitement to join a community that values scholarship and service at such a high level.”

She plans to study Clinical Laboratory Science at EMU with an interest in understanding health and disease. Al-Zawawi expressed gratitude for those who supported her journey: “I’d like to emphasize how thankful I am for the support of my mentors, teachers, and family, who encouraged me to pursue opportunities like this one. I hope to use my time at EMU to grow as a scholar and as someone who contributes meaningfully to the world around me.”

Eastern Michigan University offers more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations across several colleges including Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; as well as its Graduate School. Founded in 1849, it serves over 12,000 students in undergraduate through doctoral programs.

Applications for the Presidential Scholarship are open during students' senior year of high school.