New group of Pescovitz Presidential Scholars announced

Last year, Oakland University was able to expand its prestigious Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship program, doubling the annual awardees from four to eight with a new $1.33 million gift from President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D.

Her latest donation brings Pescovitz's cumulative lifetime philanthropic support to the university to $3.16 million. This most recent gift will support the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship in perpetuity, fostering future civic, health, scientific, business and other industry leaders.

"Freshman who are Platinum Presidential Scholarship recipients are eligible for the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship," Graeme Harper, Dean of the Honors College at Oakland University explained on the scholarship application page. "Selected freshman students will receive a 'top up' to a four-year, full-tuition scholarship."

Through this significant investment, OU and the Honors College aim to develop a diverse and multidisciplinary group of future leaders that will address our country's biggest questions and solve our most daunting challenges."

In addition to receiving OU's most considerable merit scholarship, Pescovitz Presidential Scholars receive four years of enhanced mentoring from faculty and the dean of the Honors College.

Throughout their time at OU, they participate in unique co-curricular experiences designed to help them develop as leaders, researchers, and engaged citizens.

Each of the Pescovitz Presidential scholars are selected for their embodiment of academic excellence and dedication to their communities.

The Pescovitz Presidential Schoalrship was established in 2022.

The 2024 group of Pescovitz Presidential Scholars includes:

Bryce Cleasby - Commerce, MI | Lakeland High School

Bryce Cleasby's journey to Oakland University was driven by a desire to be part of a passionate, community-focused environment. Attracted to The Honors College for its rigorous academic challenges, Bryce majors in clinical and diagnostic sciences, specializing in medical laboratory science. Bryce is actively involved in ECLIPSE, a health leadership program, and the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Society. He also serves on the boards of two non-profits, demonstrating a commitment to community service.

Bryce is grateful that the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship has alleviated the financial burden of pursuing higher education, giving him the freedom to focus entirely on becoming the empathetic physician assistant he aspires to be. "Being able to fully engage in my studies without worrying about the future is the greatest gift I could ever receive," says Bryce. His family's legacy at Oakland University - his mother and brother are both alumni - made OU a natural fit, solidifying his decision to carry forward the Golden Grizzly tradition.

Johnny Krajenke - Shelby Township, MI | Utica Academy for International Studies

Johnny Krajenke, majoring in business actuarial science, found Oakland University to be an ideal fit due to its affordability and proximity to home. A saxophonist and Japanese language enthusiast, Johnny has embraced campus life through his involvement with the Euchre Club and is looking forward to joining additional campus organizations. His ultimate goal is to work in liability management or life insurance.

For Johnny, the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship represents a reward for his years of academic effort and provides peace of mind about future student loans. "This scholarship makes my education affordable, allowing me to focus on my studies," he says. "I'm a first generation college student. I am well educated at OU and I like how I can balance student and social life here."

Trevor Isaac Maze - Rochester Hills, MI | Homeschooled

Trevor Maze, a computer science major, was drawn to Oakland University for its rigorous academics and the opportunity to join The Honors College. He learned of the school from his mother who is an OU alumna. Having already created a video game, he has a true passion for programming and game development. Following graduation, Trevor hopes to secure a position with a local technology or automotive company.

The Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship has empowered Trevor to focus on his education without financial distractions. "It's given me the freedom to consider pursuing a master's degree," he says. "The education I am receiving at Oakland University is of the highest quality. I especially love how clear and approachable the professors are when discussing complicated topics."

Chelsea Pomaville - Burtchville, MI | Croswell-Lexington High School

Chelsea Pomaville, a biochemistry major with aspirations for a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, was drawn to Oakland University for its supportive environment, knowledgeable faculty and engaging student life. A member of the Pre-Pharmacy Society, Book Club and Women in Film Club, Chelsea has also taken on the role of Red Cross Ambassador within The Honors College.

Chelsea sees the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity, easing the financial stress of college and allowing her to focus fully on her studies. "With this burden off of me," she says, "it's easier to focus on doing my best." Inspired by her brother Justin, an OU graduate, who is now pursuing a postgraduate degree at OU, Chelsea finds that Oakland University provides exceptional education and support. Her advice to future students? "Look into every possible program or opportunity. When I was considering Oakland, all the research I did only convinced me more that this is the school for me," she declares.

Beatrise (Bibi) Robinson - Hunting Woods, MI | Berkley High School

Beatrise (Bibi) Robinson is a trailblazer in the field of seismology, operating the only active seismograph in Oakland County. She is in the process of developing an algorithm using machine learning to forecast earthquakes. Bibi enjoys balancing her technical pursuits with creative hobbies like playing violin, painting and video gaming with friends. She is actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers, the Gaming Guild, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the World Music Organization.

Majoring in computer science and electrical engineering, Bibi's dream is to become an entrepreneur who uses emerging technologies to solve global challenges. "The scholarship allows me to pursue my double major without the financial stress," she shares. Bibi praises OU's supportive faculty. "The low student-to-faculty ratio allows for personal relationships with professors," she explains. "Even those who aren't teaching me are willing to offer mentorship."

"These remarkable students embody the spirit of the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship, using their talents to make an impact on their communities and striving toward ambitious goals," says Graeme Harper, dean of The Honors College. Our presidential scholars are not just students - they are the future. Through President Pescovitz's extraordinary gift, we are privileged to support them as they build the world they envision."

Matthew Romaya - Sterling Heights, MI | International Academy of Macomb

Matthew Romaya's decision to attend Oakland University was based on proximity, affordability and the perfect campus size. A biochemistry major aiming for a career as an orthopedic surgeon, Matthew embraced The Honors College for the academic challenges it presents and the opportunity to build a compelling graduate school application.

Receiving the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship allows Matthew to take risks and engage in activities he otherwise couldn't pursue. "I am very pleased with the level of education I'm receiving at OU. I don't think there have been any aspects where OU is lacking, and in some ways, I think the education at OU is superior," Matthew says.

Alison Siemen - Harbor Beach, MI | Harbor Beach High School

Alison Siemen, a mathematics major with a passion for fashion, enjoys sewing, reading, and baking in her spare time. As a first-generation college student, Alison chose Oakland University for its diverse opportunities, beautiful campus and vibrant student life. She is involved in BeGolden Fashion magazine, a perfect fit given her love of fashion.

The Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship has transformed Alison's college experience, allowing her to focus on her studies without financial stress. "This scholarship lifted a huge burden," she says. "I encourage students considering OU to visit campus and see in person all the wonderful opportunities it has to offer."

Gabriel Thomas - Shelby Township, MI | Eisenhower High School and Utica MST

Gabriel Thomas, a biomedical sciences major, chose Oakland University for the personal connections it offers and The Honors College's numerous leadership opportunities. A member of the Pre-Medical Society, Gabriel enjoys basketball, football and spending time with friends. He dreams of becoming an ENT physician, a goal that has been made more attainable through the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship.

"This scholarship makes med school a realistic possibility for me," Gabriel shares, noting that the financial relief allows him to explore academic and career opportunities more deeply. Reflecting on his experience at Oakland University, Gabriel shares, "I believe that OU is up there with the most prestigious universities when it comes to education."

More info about the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship program:

The Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship application form.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.