Striving for Excellence:
01 | Attracting the Best and the Brightest
Each year a group of California high school students being wooed by Ivy League colleges decide to attend Cal State Fullerton instead. These students, among the best and brightest of their graduating class, are attracted to Fullerton because of its academic reputation and its President’s Scholars program.
The program began in 1979 with 10 scholars and now numbers about 100. Funded entirely by donors, it provides full scholarships covering all student fees and $750 stipends for textbooks for four years. President’s Scholars receive automatic admission to the University Honors Program, priority registration and consideration for on-campus housing. Two particularly valued perks are complimentary parking permits and laptop computers.
Scholars attend special seminars and meet periodically with CSUF President Milton A. Gordon. In return, scholars must be enrolled full time, maintain a 3.5 grade-point average, and contribute to university and community activities. The scholars are active in community service, including fund-raising walk-a-thons, preparing Thanksgiving dinners at the Ronald McDonald House, and counting ballots on election nights.
Adam Bakonis, a scholar majoring in finance, says, “It’s very motivating to be around the other President’s Scholars, to see their accomplishments, to see the work they do, and to see that the goals they have set for themselves are really high. It’s not intimidating. I don’t feel that there is a competitive edge to it at all. Everyone is there to help you out.”
