SIUE Surprises Standout Students with Full Ride Meridian Scholarships
Surprise! Three high school seniors were happily greeted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Admissions team this week with the news that they’ve received the University’s most prestigious scholarship for incoming freshmen, which includes full tuition, fees, and room and board.
Mia Williams, of Edwardsville, Nathaniel Marks, of Florissant, Mo., and Sahar Hussaini, of St. Louis, are among the newest cohort of 20 to be named Meridian Scholars.
“This scholarship attracts top applicants from around the world,” said Director of Undergraduate Admissions Todd Burrell. “This year, we had 1,300 students apply. We invited 200 to participate in Meridian Interview Day, from which the selection committee narrowed the pool to 20 outstanding recipients.”
Meridian Scholars are stellar students who shine not only academically, but also creatively, in service and in their diversity of perspective and experience. Successful students often demonstrate creativity in the arts, perseverance in athletics, self-awareness in self-improvement, and dedication to others through service to their school, faith and local communities.
SIUE Meridian Scholars are enrolled in the University’s robust and highly-sought Honors Program, where students enjoy a distinctive small-college experience with all the benefits of a large comprehensive university. Throughout their schooling, scholars are encouraged to: ask important and difficult questions, then pursue their answers; consider the connections between seemingly different ideas and practices; investigate the current issues facing their field of study; 
and find opportunities for civic engagement.
Photos: Edwardsville High School (EHS) senior Mia Williams (center) has achieved SIUE’s most prestigious scholarship for incoming freshman. Following her surprise notification, she poses in celebration with (L-R) Scott Belobrajdic, associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management; Micha Jones, admission coordinator; Andrew Williams, Mia’s father and EHS assistant principal; Amy Williams, Mia’s mother; and Steve Stuart, EHS principal.
Nathaniel Marks, a senior at McCluer North High School was surprised with his receipt of SIUE’s Meridian Scholarship. (L-R) Del’Brica Flowers, SIUE admission counselor, Marks, and Todd Burrell, SIUE director of Undergraduate Admissions.
SIUE Meridian Scholar Sahar Hussaini, a senior at Bayless High School, celebrates her award. (L-R) Isabel Carleton, MCAC college advisor at Bayless High School, Hussaini, and SIUE’s Del’Brica Flowers and Todd Burrell.
