Winfield, Kan., Jan. 4, 2024 — Two high school seniors who have committed to attend Southwestern College in the fall of 2024 have been awarded full-tuition scholarships.  They are Eva Navrat, Oxford, and Esmeralda Maldonado Posada, Newton.

“We are excited to welcome these incredible young people to our Builder Family – they along with the rest of the incoming Class of 2028 will bring much joy and possibility with them to campus and to Winfield next August,” said Liz Frombgen, Southwestern College President. “It is difficult to capture just how talented and unique the students who came to compete for the full-tuition scholarships are; we are so fortunate that the majority of the finalists have chosen to make Southwestern their home for the next four years.”

The Pillars Scholarship is a merit-based award that recognizes two students who demonstrate outstanding academic abilities. Each of the scholarships is renewable for four years and valued at approximately $150,000.

Eva Navrat is the daughter of Tony and Jamie Navrat and attends Oxford High School.  She plans to major in graphic design and participate in softball.

Esmeralda Maldonado Posada is the daughter of Gladys and Fredy Maldonado and attends Newton High School.  She plans to major in business administration and management and participate in choir.

According to Stephannie DeLong Vice President for Enrollment Management, the college received a number of applications for the scholarship competition.

“With over 100 applications for the Pillars competition, we were excited to host such accomplished students,” DeLong says.  “The finalists invited to campus demonstrated their leadership and academic excellence in essays and interviews and exemplify the heart of true Builders.  We are honored to welcome such talented students to our campus this fall.”

Southwestern's competitive full-tuition scholarship program began in 2016. As the number of students applying for admission to Southwestern has grown, the number applying to compete for the full-tuition competition has also increased. Since the beginning, the full-tuition program has attracted a talented and diverse group of students to apply. Each year a large proportion of the students who compete for the full-tuition awards, but are not selected as the recipients choose to come to Southwestern.

Applications for the Moundbuilder Spirit full tuition scholarship competition are due by Monday, Jan. 15.  Students who are invited to campus to compete on February 3 will participate in an essay and interview and all competitors will receive a $1,000 renewable scholarship in addition to their academic and activity/athletic scholarship.  Two students will be selected to receive full-tuition scholarships.  Applications for the transfer full-tuition scholarship will open in April with competition held on campus this summer.

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   

CONTACT: Charles Osen

(620) 229-6295

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