Lamar University names 20 Presidential, Southeast Texas Legends Scholars

Lamar University has named 20 total Presidential and Southeast Texas Legends Scholars for the 2026-27 academic year, awarding each student a significant financial contribution-and, in some cases, a full-ride scholarship-that recognizes academic excellence and leadership.

The Presidential Scholars program is among the university's most competitive honors, offering a prestigious full-ride scholarship that covers tuition, fees and other expenses for recipients throughout their undergraduate studies.

"This has been an incredible year for everyone involved in the process of interviewing and awarding our 2026-27 Presidential Scholars," Megan Begnaud, director of student aid, said. "Each year, we have the privilege of meeting so many impressive students. This academic year alone, we interviewed 190 outstanding candidates, and selecting just 16 recipients was not an easy decision. It is truly inspiring to see students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic dedication given the opportunity to earn their degree without the burden of financial stress, and to know the lasting impact this opportunity will have on their futures."

Originally, 15 Presidential Scholarships were awarded; however, one recipient declined the offer, and the scholarship was subsequently re-awarded, bringing the total number of accepted Presidential Scholars to 16 for the 2026-27 academic year.

The 2026-27 Presidential Scholars, along with their hometowns and intended majors, are:

• Mazlin Authement, Lake Charles, LA - Exercise Science
• Hunter Bittle, Lumberton, TX - Mechanical Engineering
• Zoee Buchanan, Bridge City, TX - Biology, Pre-Medical
• Aaden Bush, Bridge City, TX - Business
• Kade Caldwell, Lumberton, TX - Mechanical Engineering
• Katelyn Contreras, Liberty, TX - Mechanical Engineering
• Cody Dague, Pearland, TX - Mechanical Engineering
• Landon Dickens, Orangefield, TX - Biology
• Kaedyn Harris, Dickinson, TX - Biology
• Gavin Lopez, El Paso, TX - Chemical Engineering
• Haley Nguyen, Beaumont, TX - Chemical Engineering
• Mary O'Malley, Texas Academy at LU - Biology
• Leimy Rocha, Beaumont, TX - Biology, Pre-Medical
• Myxtlee Rodriguez, Nederland, TX - Biology
• Lauren Wilson, Sour Lake, TX - Music Education
• Abigail Yanez, Nederland, TX - Nursing

In addition to the Presidential Scholars, the university also recognized four students as Southeast Texas Legends Scholars, a scholarship program that supports high-achieving students from Southeast Texas and the surrounding region. The award provides significant financial assistance and aims to encourage local talent to pursue higher education while remaining connected to the region.

The 2026-27 Southeast Texas Legends Scholars are:

• Baylee Curbow, Port Neches-Groves High School
• Jacob Bergman, West Brook Senior High School
• Landon Dry, Pearland High School
• Lucia Liu, Faith Christian Academy

Both scholarship programs reflect Lamar's continued investment in student success and its commitment to supporting high-achieving students from across Southeast Texas and beyond as they begin their academic careers.

To learn more about scholarships at Lamar University, visit:
https://www.lamar.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/