48 seniors earn WMU’s highest undergraduate honor as 2026 Presidential Scholars
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University recognized 48 seniors as 2026 Presidential Scholars, the institution’s highest academic distinction, during its annual convocation on Friday, March 20. Faculty members from nearly 50 academic units selected the top students from a senior class of 4,442.
The Presidential Scholar designation is the highest academic honor that Western can bestow on its undergraduates. Selection is based on a student’s general academic excellence, academic and artistic excellence relative to their majors, and intellectual and artistic promise.
The 2026 Presidential Scholars Convocation featured a keynote address by Sara Bussey, B.S.’25, a 2025 Presidential Scholar. WMU President Russ Kavalhuna; Faculty Senate President Dr. Amy Naugle; and Dr. Christopher Cheatham, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, also spoke at the event in the WMU Student Center ballroom.
“It is a privilege to celebrate this year’s 48 Presidential Scholars, who have distinguished themselves across disciplines and majors,” Kavalhuna says. “We are excited to see how this honorable distinction and the formative experiences they gained at Western shape their careers and their lives. Their achievements and character have strengthened our University and will strengthen the communities they go on to serve.
“We also are grateful to the faculty and staff whose mentorship and guidance have been essential to the success of these rising scholars.”
2026 Presidential Scholars
- Accountancy—Noah Newman of Kalamazoo
- Art—Natalie Wiersema of Mundelein, Illinois
- Aviation—Mackenzie Koenig of Kalamazoo
- Biological sciences—Erica MacQueen of Mattawan, Michigan
- Business information systems—Kevin Wright of Beverly Hills, Michigan
- Chemical and paper engineering—Aimee Lambert of Edwardsburg, Michigan
- Chemistry—Abigail Reinard of Kalkaska, Michigan
- Civil and construction engineering—Caden Boynton of Harbor Beach, Michigan
- Communication—Annabella Tetner of New Glarus, Wisconsin
- Computer science—Aus Al Rasbi of Oman
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Left to right: Dr. Adrienne Redding stands with Presidential Scholar Janine Adamski and President Kavalhuna. Dance—Charlotte Anderson of Holland, Michigan
- Economics—Braydon Zupin of Kalamazoo
- Electrical and computer engineering—Nolin Szafranski of Portage, Michigan
- Engineering design, manufacturing and management systems—Lily Kieliszewski of Kalamazoo
- English—Janine Adamski of Macomb, Michigan
- Environment, geography and sustainability—Alexis Rachel of Kalamazoo
- Family and consumer sciences—Charlotte Karoub of Dearborn, Michigan
- Finance and commercial law—Jenna Hayes of Dayton, Ohio
- Geological and environmental sciences—Joseph Payne of Woodridge, Illinois
- Haworth College of Business interdisciplinary—Cheyenne Niemann of South Lyon, Michigan
- History—Moira Cooper of Kalamazoo
- Industrial and entrepreneurial engineering and engineering management—Luke Borowski of Kalamazoo
- Intercultural and anthropological studies—Dante Allen of Kalamazoo
- Interdisciplinary health programs—Nick Outen of Canton, Michigan
- Management—Lyndsey Sootsman of Kalamazoo
- Marketing—Jacob Steiner of Troy, Michigan
- Mathematics—Elijah Flak of Kalamazoo
- Mechanical and aerospace engineering—Nicolina Buccilli of Kalamazoo
- Music—Lucas Daunt of Kalamazoo
- Nursing—Emma Bila of Portage, Michigan
- Occupational therapy—Rachel Mitchell of Portage, Michigan
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Dr. Luchara Wallace is flanked by Presidential Scholars Aus Al Rasbi and Arise Rock. Philosophy—Isabella Hamade of Allen Park, Michigan
- Physics—Conner Ebbinghaus of Kalamazoo
- Political science—Lillian Powers of White Lake, Michigan
- Psychology—Lindsey Meredith of Cedar Springs, Michigan
- Public affairs—Alexia Kryszewski of Battle Creek, Michigan
- Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation—Anna Reinhardt of Kawkawlin, Michigan
- Social work—Vanisha Rangan of Kalamazoo
- Sociology—Shanzeh Dar of Kalamazoo
- Spanish—Charlie DeGraves of Kalamazoo
- Special education and literacy studies—Lauren Dowdy of Kalamazoo
- Speech, language and hearing sciences—McKenna O’Donnell of Grand Blanc, Michigan
- Statistics—Riley Biggins of St. Joseph, Michigan
- Teaching, learning and educational studies—Lauren Janetzke of Norton Shores, Michigan
- Theatre—Arise Rock of Detroit
- University studies—Andrew Tate of Kalamazoo
- World languages and literatures—Abigail Strain of Onalaska, Wisconsin
- World religions and cultures—Lucas Watson of Traverse City, Michigan
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.