Meet a few of Our Past Presidential Scholars
Onefuwa Akande
West Bloomfield, Mich.
Psychology Major
"One of the greatest things that UToledo has offered me is the luxury of being explorative and adventurous as it pertains to my education. My education does not stop when I leave a classroom or finish submitting an essay. At UToledo, education is continuous, and the effects are eternal. From the vast variety of people to meet, organizations to become a part of and endless opportunities for growth, I find that I am always learning and becoming better because of it."
Justin Mendoza
Toledo, Ohio
Bioengineering Major
"As a student pursuing a career in medicine, I am ecstatic with my decision in choosing UToledo. You get all the resources that you would get from a big school while still being able to make one-on-one connections and experience that smaller school feeling. Because of this unique big-school, small-school fusion, I have been able to pursue research opportunities as a freshman and make genuine connections with both my peers and professors. I also have an interest in engineering, and the co-op program has enabled me to gain real experience in the medical device industry. UToledo has given me the confidence I need to succeed in whatever I choose to do in the future."
Ella Schlueter
Hartland, Mich.
Multi-Age Education Major (Pre-K to Grade 12), Visual Arts Concentration
"Receiving the Presidential Scholarship has meant so much to me. This scholarship has allowed me to go to the school of my dreams, studying for the career of my dreams, with staff and peers who I know will support me every step of the way. I am pursuing a career in Visual Arts Education. I hope to provide my future students with an open learning environment where they can foster an appreciation for the arts, express themselves, and learn to think creatively."
Rachel Whitman
Ney, Ohio
Psychology Graduate
"I have had the dream of becoming a counseling psychologist from a young age....Since earning the Presidential Scholarship, many more pathways have opened up to me. The University of Toledo is aiding my goals by having opportunities to take courses in counseling, while conducting my own research....UToledo encourages students to be a part of something bigger and make a difference, then aids students in achieving their goals."
Abel B. Castillo
Bowling Green, Ohio
Biology Graduate
"The University of Toledo continues to mold me and my aspirations on a consistent basis. Every single day, I feel encouraged to continue pursuing my goals and make the most of my education...As a Presidential Scholar, I set the goal of getting good grades while still getting involved in my school community. I am proud to say I have maintained great grades while getting involved in numerous extracurricular activities. Some of these activities include Honors Ambassadors, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Lambda Sigma Honors Society and undergraduate research focused on cancer-cell migration mechanics."
Colleen Rose Anderson
Toledo, Ohio
Paralegal Studies Graduate
"The flexibility of my schedule at UToledo has allowed me to work both at Toledo Municipal Courthouse, as well as in the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, both of which have helped better prepare me for law school. During my internship, I got to attend a regional conference on judicial reform in Budva, Montenegro, where I participated in a dialogue on creating and maintaining effective court administration systems with judicial experts and leaders from numerous West Balkan countries. Accomplishing the goal of studying abroad and participating in a global dialogue was incredibly meaningful to me... I learned more than I ever could have envisioned."
"The most important thing about UT has been that it has given me the freedom to do more than sit in a classroom and learn. With the help of my program director and professors, I've achieved a level of readiness for my career that I couldn't have dreamed of when I started at UT, and it only continues to grow."
Rachel Beeson
New Washington, Ohio
Bioengineering with a Pre-Med Concentration Graduate
What was your favorite experience at UToledo?
"I was fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct research under Dr. Patricia Relue
concerning renewable bioproducts. My co-ops were a great learning experience and has
helped shape me into a multifaceted student."
How do you feel UToledo has helped to prepare you for your future?
"In contrast to my small hometown with little cultural variety, UToledo is rich in
diversity. UToledo has developed me into an enlightened student with respect for all
forms of diversity. I have broadened my horizons and view life through a new perspective."
How did the Presidential Scholarship affect your experience at UToledo?
"The presidential scholarship has been a huge blessing. Many students have to work
a part-time job, in addition to undertaking a full course load, just in order to afford
a higher education. Receiving this honor allowed me to focus completely on my education
and in doing so, excel in my coursework. I am beyond grateful to the University for
the support I have received personally, academically and financially."
Nicole Carr
Deshler, Ohio
Biology Graduate
What was your favorite experience at UToledo?
"Marching in the Rocket Marching Band has been my favorite experience at UToledo."
How do you feel UToledo has helped to prepare you for your future?
"One faculty member has taken the time to make a significant impact on me, Dr. Robert
Steven. As a student working in his research lab, Dr. Steven has instilled in me determination,
dedication and self-discipline. Also, he pushed me to achieve success and taught me
how to effectively react to setbacks."
How did the Presidential Scholarship affect your experience at UToledo?
"The Presidential Scholarship has affected my college experience by giving me the
peace of mind to know that I will graduate without the burden of a substantial student
loan. Also, the support of the staff involved in the scholarship program has given
me the security to know that they will always be there to help me, and that they have
my best interest at heart."
Dan Israel
Mount Vernon, Ohio
Pharmacy Graduate
What was your favorite experience at UToledo?
"There are a lot of really cool people at UToledo. I've met my best friends here and
have made a lot of life-long friends."
How do you feel UToledo has helped to prepare you for your future?
"Dr. Pinto is my research advisor and my mentor. She has really opened a lot of opportunities
for me professionally and helped me grow and realize what steps I needed to take to
go where I want to after graduation."
How did the Presidential Scholarship affect your experience at UToledo?
"The Presidential Scholarship provided me with a wealth of opportunities. It allowed
me to get deeply involved within student life and organizations on campus, a month
long summer project in Seattle, WA, and a summer of research at UToledo. I couldn't
have done most of the significant things I've done without the support from the Presidential
Scholarship."