SIUE Welcomes 2025 Class of Meridian Scholars

SIUE Welcomes 2025 Class of Meridian Scholars

During the recent Homecoming and Family Weekend, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville proudly welcomed the newest class of Meridian Scholars, the University's most competitive and prestigious award recipients. These students, selected through a rigorous process, represent outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and potential for impact. They were formally honored at a campus reception that kicked off SIUE's Homecoming celebration where they were welcomed by Andy Benoit, EdD, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, the John Martinson Honors Program, and fellow upper-class Meridian Scholars.

Eric W. Ruckh, PhD, Director of the John Martinson Honors Program, described the scholarship as more than an award. "Meridian Scholars are called to apply their knowledge to the task of building the future," Ruckh said. "They are seekers after truth, innovators, and leaders for their communities."

The Meridian Scholarship provides four years of full tuition, fees, and room and board. A number of Scholars shared their first reaction upon learning they had won the award.

Trinity Slaughter shared, "The day I received the phone call that I was awarded the Meridian Scholarship, I ran up and down the hallways of my high school jumping, shouting, and screaming. I was so excited that my hard work, dedication, and consistency paid off."

"When I first received this, I was in complete shock. The first thing I had to do was thank everyone and then immediately call my Mom," said Griffin Odom. "Standing in my high school's office with a big check right in front of me with my name on me, I started to cry from joy and excitement. My friends hugged me and told me they were proud of me--almost the entire day I still was shocked that I got the Meridian and have been entirely grateful from that day."

Zimri Mills recalled, "When I first read the email, I had to read it three times. Then, I made my brother read it to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. Then I called my parents, and we all freaked out for a while. Then I called just about everyone in my contact list to tell them, including the educators that helped me reach that point."

Each year, hundreds of applicants from across the country compete for this honor, submitting essays, demonstrating leadership, and sharing their vision for how they will make a difference. For many students, that vision includes finding their place in a vibrant learning community.

"I feel like the University and Honors Program have really shown that they are excited that I am in 'the E,'" said Hudson Ikens. "And I am grateful for all of the steps they have taken to make me feel welcomed in my new home. This award means that I can start saving up for law school, something that may not have been possible for me to pursue financially without the Meridian Scholarship!"

All Meridian Scholars are members of the John Martinson Honors Program, where they experience a small-college environment within a nationally recognized comprehensive university. The program encourages students to ask bold questions, connect across fields, and engage deeply with pressing issues. That spirit resonates with this year's recipients.

"As a Meridian Scholar, I have felt incredibly supported by all of the staff and students here at the University. I have really enjoyed getting involved with the honors program by joining the Honors Student Association, attending Gaggle and De-Stress Thursdays, and studying in the learning lounges. I have also had a fantastic time in my "monsters" honor class," said Kylie Morales. "This award will allow me to truly make the most of my time at SIUE, as I will have the financial security to make my classes my priority and I will be very involved in the honors program.

The 2025 class reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, with students joining SIUE from Illinois, Missouri, and Oklahoma, along with international scholars from Ghana and Nepal. Together, they represent nearly every school and college at SIUE, pursuing majors in the sciences, business, education, health professions, the arts, and the humanities.

"Here at SIUE I've met so many new people from different cultures and backgrounds, made new friends, and joined study groups. I've learned new things about myself, and I learned that hard work must be standard to achieve my goals," said Slaughter. "Although the classwork has been challenging, I have been able to connect with the honors faculty and staff to help me gain a greater understanding of determination and consistency. I know that SIUE is the school for me! Roll Cougs!"

Looking ahead, the new Meridian Scholars are already considering how they will use this opportunity to shape their futures.

2025 Meridian Scholars

• Jeremiah Ansah, Biochemistry, Accra, Ghana
• Kennedy Beverly, Nursing, Saint Louis, Missouri, Ritenour High School
• Paige Borders, Nursing, Troy, Illinois, Triad High School
• Aubrey Falk, Speech Pathology & Audiology, Bethalto, Illinois, Civic Memorial High School
• Hudson Ikens, Economics, Dekalb, Illinois, De Kalb High School
• Gabrielle Kellner, Social Work & Psychology, Saint Ann, Missouri, Pattonville High School
• Rydia Kennedy, English, Greenville, Illinois, Bond County Community Unit 2 High School
• Lauren Lack, Studio Art, Eureka, Missouri, Eureka High School
• Syarun Lama Waiba, Criminal Justice, Kathmandu, Nepal
• Savannah Lewis, Speech Pathology & Audiology, Collinsville, Illinois, Collinsville High School
• Zimri Mills, Music Education, Park Hills, Missouri, Central R-3 High School
• Kylie Morales, Civil Engineering, Saint Louis, Missouri, Ritenour High School
• Brianna Mullins, Biology, South Holland, Illinois, Marian Catholic High School
• Griffin Odom, Psychology, Highland, Illinois, Highland High School
• Grace Phipps, Business, Du Quoin, Illinois, Du Quoin High School
• William Pullen, Construction Management, Mattoon, Illinois, Mattoon Senior High School
• Reigha Romano, Psychology, Edwardsville, Illinois, Edwardsville Senior High School
• Shalini Sharma, Nursing, Saint Charles, Missouri, Francis Howell North High School
• Trinity Slaughter, Biology, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mustang High School
• Zion White, Mechanical Engineering, Saint Louis, Missouri, Bishop DuBourg High School
  
  

Applications are open. Each year, a new class of Meridian Scholars steps forward to shape the future at SIUE. Applications for the 2026 award are now open. Learn more and apply.

PHOTO: 2025 Meridian Scholars with Eric W. Ruckh, PhD, Director of the John Martinson Honors Program, Marlee Graser, MLIS, Dean of Library and Information Services, Mario Hayek, PhD, Dean of the School of Business and Andy Benoit, EdD, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management, the John Martinson Honors Program, and fellow upper-class Meridian Scholars.