KOKOMO, Ind. — Lyndsay Christensen was impressed by Indiana University Kokomo's commitment to excellence, small class sizes, and the personal attention she would receive as a science student.
Lyndsay Christensen with Chancellor Michael Harris
She was extremely happy when she found out that she was chosen as the campus' Adam W. Herbert Presidential Scholar, with a scholarship valued at $30,000.
"I am really excited to study at IU Kokomo with a full scholarship," she said. "This campus has so much to offer, and there are so many opportunities in my future. I really like the science department. I feel like I will learn in more of a one-on-one setting, with more personal attention than I would receive at a larger school."
The Herbert Presidential Scholars Program offers four-year renewable scholarships and other benefits to exceptional Indiana students. IU President Emeritus Adam W. Herbert created the prestigious program during his tenure, as the Hoosier Presidential Scholars Program. The Board of Trustees renamed it in 2007, to honor Herbert's commitment to recruiting and retaining talented young Hoosiers.
Chancellor Michael Harris said IU Kokomo will provide Christensen an excellent foundation for medical school and her career.
"Lyndsay is an exceptional individual, with impressive academic achievements and extracurricular involvement," he said. "Admitting students of her caliber is a true testament to the world class campus we have become. I congratulate her on receiving this prestigious scholarship."
Christensen, a 2012 Madison Grant High School graduate, received a four-year, full-tuition scholarship and a laptop. The program also includes $1,000 for study abroad her junior or senior year. She would like to study in a Spanish speaking country.
She will major in biochemistry, with plans to attend medical school or graduate school after she earns her undergraduate degree.
"I appreciate being able to earn my degree debt-free," Christensen said. "I don't want my opportunities after college to be limited because I have student debt to pay off. This gives me a chance to do what I want, rather than being limited by having to pay my loans."
Christensen, daughter of Steve and Kris Christensen, Fairmount, is graduating as salutatorian of her class. She's been involved in National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, cross country, track, tennis, academic team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Spanish club, art club, science club, youth group and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
She is also a 10-year 4-H member and works at Kohl's.
Her volunteer and community service have been with the Salvation Army, New Hope Hospice, Westview Wesleyan Church, and Outdoor Challenge Days at Camp Belzer for special education students in Indiana schools.
Christensen has balanced student activities with a rigorous academic class load, including AP biology and college credit classes in speech and composition. She has also won numerous art awards, and is excited to continue her art studies in IU Kokomo's outstanding art program.
"I really like expressing myself through painting," she said. "Even though I'm going to study biochemistry, I am glad I can have a chance to continue my art education too. I am looking forward to being a student at IU Kokomo."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.