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Students interview for Evangel University Founders Scholarship, Jan. 26-28

Published on Jan 25, 2017 by Paul K. Logsdon

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University freshman Emily Groves has settled into the hectic pace of college life, selected a major, and is confident that she made a great decision to attend EU.

It helps that Emily was an exceptional student in high school, active in her church and community, and earned one of Evangel’s top Founders Scholarships.

Another 107 outstanding high school students like Emily are traveling to Springfield this week from across the country, hoping they, too, will do well on Founders Weekend (Jan. 26-28, 2017).

“This is a time when high-achieving prospective students can experience EU campus life and interview for our premium merit scholarships, the Founders Scholarships,” said Ana Solano, associate director of admissions.

Interviews are intended to give information to the Scholarship Awards Committee about candidates beyond what is possible on the application.

“Awards will range from $12,000 to $21,000,” added Solano. “Everyone who is invited and attends the Founders Day interviews will receive at least the $12,000 award.”

Due to an increase in the number of candidates, the University now offers two weekends for these high achievers. The first was held in December.

In addition, international students and missionary families are scheduled to be video-interviewed from Kenya, Spain and the Ukraine.

2016-02.26 Founders, Shelley, Brandon & Emily Groves
Emily Groves grew up with a great appreciation for Evangel University, because her mother graduated from there in 1993. Parents Shelley (McNeil) and Brandon Groves brought her to the 2016 Founders Scholarship interview last winter. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“The hardest part was the uncertainty of what was going to happen,” said Emily, a native of Mustang, Okla. “But once the interview started, it was easy. The interviewers were friendly and made me feel welcomed to Evangel.”

As a bonus, Emily said she met a number of students last year during her visit, and that made the transition easier. “I started establishing relationships last year with a group that I am still connected with now,” she added.

Emily is a multi-media journalism major with a writing minor.

Developing Leaders

Prospective students will arrive Thursday evening and join the Evangel family for a weekend of events including campus tours, academic department activities, chapel, and the popular Founders Celebration and Dessert Reception.

Special appointments have been made on Friday afternoon for music auditions, as well as for students interested in athletics and forensics.

On Saturday, prospective students are focused on their individual interviews, while parents are involved with informative sessions dealing with financial aid, student development and academics.

“The Founders application process is open to admitted first-time, full-time students who will be freshmen next fall and meet the scholarships’ academic criteria,” said Patricia Hansen, executive director of admissions.

Prospective Founders Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average and reached high scores on their ACT or SAT tests.

“We also look at a prospective student’s involvement in church, school and community activities,” said Hansen. “These scholars have demonstrated strong Christian character and invariably prove to be some of our strongest campus leaders.”

Founders Scholars, like all Evangel students, are challenged academically, encouraged to grow in faith and are prepared for future careers and graduate studies.

Research shows that 96% of Evangel University graduates are admitted to graduate school or land jobs in their field of study right out of college.

The 2016-17 Founders Interview Committee

  • Becky Rhoades, interviewing committee chair (Business Department)
  • Linda Allen, vice president for Business & Finance
  • Melinda Booze, Communication Department
  • Hector Cruz, University Advancement
  • Dr. Luke Gibbs, Humanities Department
  • Erica Harris, Natural & Applied Sciences Department
  • Jeff Huinda, Business & Finance Division
  • Dr. Michael Kolstad, vice president for University Advancement
  • Dr. Sue Langston, Education Department
  • Eveline Lewis, Business Department
  • Dr. Martin Mittelstadt, Church Ministries, Missions and Theology Department
  • Jason Salazar, Music Department
  • Lisa Street, Behavioral & Social Sciences Department
  • Sarah Walters, Kinesiology Department
  • Dr. Vickie Wisdom, Humanities Department

For more information, contact Undergraduate Admissions at (417) 865-2815, ext. 7300.

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