Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University has named Francie Coolick-Garcia of Willoughby, Ohio, as a recipient of the 2025 Presidential Scholarship. She is among 20 first-year students chosen for this award, which recognizes academic achievement and engagement. The group selected for the scholarship has an average ACT score of 28, SAT score of 1280, and a GPA of 4.11.

The EMU Presidential Scholarship covers up to $100,000 in tuition, fees, and four years of room and board. Recipients are members of The Honors College at Eastern Michigan University and participate in activities that encourage critical thinking, community service, and leadership.

Ann Eisenberg, dean of The Honors College, said: "The recipients of this scholarship have used their unique skill sets to make an impact on their schools and communities and are committed to helping those around them. We are excited to have selected 20 young people who are eager to engage actively in the EMU community and to make it a better place through their involvement in student organizations and research labs, among others. We are honored to support them in this next stage of their education."

Coolick-Garcia plans to major in management at EMU. Before enrolling at the university, she danced with a studio for 17 years and spent one year with a professional dance team before joining the EMU Dance Team in October 2024.

"I am so incredibly grateful and excited that I was chosen out of so many deserving students for this opportunity,” said Coolick-Garcia. “I am so thankful for this scholarship, not only for the money, but for a chance to meet so many new students and mentors.”

In high school, Coolick-Garcia was a Red Thread Ambassador and managed a software project that helped organize her school's transcripts. She also started Francie's Tiny Cakes, selling small cakes locally. After graduation from EMU, she hopes to work as a project manager at a sports company in Cleveland.

“Being a Presidential Scholar means I have been given a wonderful gift from the University,” said Coolick-Garcia. “In return, I would like to give back to the school and the surrounding community as much as possible. Whether through clubs, volunteering, or campus work, my number one goal is to give back.”

The Presidential Scholarship highlights Eastern Michigan University's commitment to supporting student success through scholarships that recognize leadership potential and community involvement.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan’s second-oldest public university. It serves over 12,000 students across undergraduate through doctoral programs in various fields including arts and sciences; business; education; engineering; health; human services; and graduate studies.