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Students vie for Evangel University Founders Scholarships, Dec. 1-3

Published on Dec 2, 2016 by Paul K. Logsdon

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University is currently hosting more than a hundred guests from across the country for its first Founders Weekend of the academic year, Dec. 1-3, 2016.

“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.

C 2016-12.02 EU Founders, Ana Solano
Ana Solano greets a large group of visitors on Founders Weekend at Evangel University. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Interviews are intended to give information to the Scholarship Awards Committee 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 Founder’s Day interviews will receive at least the $12,000 award.”

In previous years, Evangel University hosted scholars for one weekend in the spring semester.

Due to an increase in the number of candidates, the university now offers two weekends for these high achievers. There are 62 students, plus family members, on campus this weekend from as far as California and Pennsylvania. Approximately 120 students, plus family members, will attend the spring semester Founder’s Weekend on Jan. 26-28.

Criteria for Founders Scholarships

“The Founders application process is open to admitted first-time, full-time students who will be freshmen the following fall,” said Patricia Hansen, executive director of admissions. “Those visiting today and in January will be joining us in August of 2017.”

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

A full schedule

Prospective students arrived Thursday evening, checked in with their student hosts, and joined the Evangel family for “A Classy Christmas” celebration in Riggs Hall Administration Building.

That event features live music, snacks and the lighting of the 20-foot tall Christmas tree.

A welcome ceremony in Riggs launched Friday activities, followed by campus tours, a special chapel service, group Q&A sessions and open house opportunities in each of the nine academic departments. In addition, auditions are held for prospective music students.

“A bonus for hosting this event in December is the opportunity for our guests to experience the 33rd Annual Christmas Concert on Friday evening,” said Tom Matrone, chair of the Department of Music. “This is our largest music event of the year, with more than 200 student musicians participating.”

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

The 2016-17 Founders Interview Committee includes the following administrators and faculty members:

  • Becky Rhoades, interviewing committee chair (Business Department)
  • Linda Allen, vice president for Business & Finance
  • Melinda Booze, Communication Department
  • Hector Cruz, University Advancement
  • 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
  • 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 additional information, contact Undergraduate Admissions at (417) 865-2815, ext. 7205.

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