In years past, The Women’s Society of Washington University has awarded one full-tuition scholarship at its annual meeting.
But thanks to an improved endowment, the society was able to award both one full and one partial-tuition scholarship to deserving students. The society also awarded its ninth annual Leadership Award at its April 19 meeting.
Jorge Marcos received the 2006-07 full-tuition scholarship, Zachary Wegmann won the partial, and the Leadership Award was presented to Imani Anwisye.
In 1976, the Women’s Society established a full-tuition scholarship program, awarding an annual competitive scholarship to an outstanding community-college transfer student.
In 1995, the Women’s Society named the endowment in honor of Elizabeth Gray Danforth as an expression of gratitude and admiration for all that she had done as first lady of Washington University for 24 years — 1973-1995. Her special personal qualities and total dedication have left an enduring imprint upon the University.
Chancellor Emeritus William H. Danforth joined Women’s Society President JoAnn Sanditz in presenting the full- and partial-tuition Danforth Scholarships.
Originally from Zaragoza, Spain, Marcos had served in the Spanish navy. He has been studying at St. Louis Community College-Meramec and carries a 4.0 GPA in addition to his work and volunteer activities.
“I am looking forward to serving the Women’s Society and Washington University in St. Louis for years to come,” Marcos said, “and will work hard to give back all the generosity that I am receiving now.”
Marcos has immersed himself in the American way of life by involving himself in a number of activities at Meramec — as treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa; production manager of Montage, the school newspaper; and a student ambassador.
Marcos was chosen for the Board of Trustees Scholarship, the Montage Journalism Award, Student Math League Certificate, the Dean’s List multiple semesters and the National Dean’s List.
His teachers describe him as a patient, helpful educator when working with students as a mathematics tutor; an excellent student and conscientious person; and collectively admired by his fellow students, the staff and faculty.
He wants to focus on aerospace and mechanical engineering at WUSTL.
Wegmann, also a Meramec student, carries a 3.61 GPA. He has served as a tutor and supplemental instructor for an organic chemistry class; a tutor in chemistry, calculus and physics; and as president of the Engineering Club.
He was named an Honors Program Scholar in the spring and Honors Alumni Scholarship recipient for fall 2005-spring 2006.
“I am very honored to receive this scholarship and have been dreaming of attending Washington University for the last three years,” Wegmann said. “It is a beautiful campus and an awesome university with cultural diversity.”
Wegmann’s interests and activities outside of the classroom include running, basketball, boxing and weightlifting. As a youth coordinator of the Boys’ Club of St. Louis, he assists with holiday functions and officiates basketball, baseball and soccer games for inner-city youth.
He is interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or chemical engineering at WUSTL.
The Women’s Society’s Leadership Award recognizes one or more graduating senior women who have contributed significantly to the University community. Nominees must have demonstrated effectiveness in service to others and exceptional potential for future leadership.
Awardees receive a cash award of $500 and a silver clock inscribed with a quote from Virginia Woolf: “I should remind you how much depends upon you and what an influence you can exert upon the future.”
Anwisye will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in biology in Arts & Sciences and carries a 3.67 GPA. Her honors include Mortar Board, the Paul Robeson Award, and on two different occasions, the Ralph Bunche Award.
She has gained experience in medical research at two universities, and she has participated in a service-learning program on health care in rural Tanzania, where she was able to use her knowledge of KiSwahili, a language that she mastered at WUSTL.
She has chosen to combine her passions for science and service by pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. and has been accepted into several programs. She is awaiting word on a Fulbright scholarship.
While these accomplishments are impressive, what makes Anwisye truly stand out is that while she strives for excellence herself, she is equally motivated to help her peers along the way.
As a freshman class representative, she organized special help sessions for some of the highly demanding science and math classes. These sessions continue today and have contributed significantly to the upward trend in science and math performance among African-American premed students.
Perhaps her most notable achievement has been the founding of Healing Hands, an organization designed to give premed students an opportunity to shadow physicians in the inner city. The organization is often has more student interest than available physicians and clinics.
As co-president of the Black Premed Society, she has helped transform how students see themselves and approach their studies.