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Scholarships help LDS students succeed at ASU


September 02, 2015

Arizona State University is dedicated to supporting students through a variety of scholarship programs.

Two privately funded scholarships have been established at the university: The Beus Family New American University Scholarship, funded by Leo and Annette Beus, and the Pioneer Heritage Scholarship, a pooled community scholarship fund.

Allison Michael, an incoming freshman of Barrett, The Honors College and a Beus Family New American University Scholarship recipient, will study biomedical engineering and is already thinking how her studies can make a difference in people’s lives.

“Biomedical engineering is such a vast field,” Michael said. “I love that I can combine creativity with math and science in order to make someone’s life better.”

Receiving the Beus Family scholarship has not only motivated her to make graduation from ASU a priority, but it has opened her up to the idea that she can take her education beyond what she might have hoped.

“I know that I will discover things about myself that I never knew before,” Michael said. “I had never really seriously considered getting my PhD. I now see a PhD as an attainable goal.”

Both scholarship programs seek to financially assist and retain incoming freshman or transfer community college students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement and deep involvement in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) community. These scholarships can be deferred, which is helpful for LDS students who go on missions before or during college.

Roc Arnett, a member of the Pioneer Heritage scholarship committee, hopes it will also encourage gifted LDS students to stay in Arizona.

“It is a proven fact that when our high school graduates attend ASU, a world-class institution, and stay in our community, they provide a great deal of value to our families and our local economy,” Arnett said.

“The Pioneer Heritage Scholarship is a clear example of ASU's commitment to attracting top-notch students whose lives and academic performance reflect the excellence fostered at ASU,” said scholarship committee member Todd Hansen.