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The fall 2012 semester will mark the arrival of the latest class of Mirabeau Scholars to Lamar University. Local students joining Lamar as Mirabeau Scholars will be: Robert Ehrlich, Orangefield High School, chemical engineering; James Ellis, Bridge City High School, electrical engineering; and Casey Myers, Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, English.

“The Mirabeau Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships we offer,” said Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Mirabeau Scholars are held to a higher level of academic and extra-classroom performance because these students are among our best and brightest.”

Each scholarship carries a value of more than $60,000 over eight semesters of support and covers all expenses. Any scholarships or awards the student receives from sources independent of the university are applied to their account and used first, allowing students to use the Mirabeau funds for academic-related expenses such as research, study abroad, or extended learning with the approval of their department chair, college dean and the provost, Doblin said. “The Mirabeau Scholarship is not tied to a specific major,” Doblin said. “If a scholar decides during the course of the degree to change major he or she doesn’t lose the scholarship.”

With complete tuition, fees, room and board assistance, plus a stipend for books and supplies, the financial benefit to the students is obvious. The university benefits as well, Doblin said, “from having exceptional students who live on campus, who are involved in university activities, and who hopefully push their fellow students to excel.” The scholars’ presence in the classroom enhances the academic environment because they ask questions and participate actively in class discussions, he said.

Mirabeau Scholarships are awarded to outstanding High School students who have met the rigorous requirements for the scholarship. Just to be considered for the scholarship, students must achieve an SAT score of 1250 (excluding the writing score) or higher or a composite ACT score of at least 28, and demonstrated excellence in prior academic work. In addition, documented excellence in a variety of leadership, service, and/or creative endeavors is expected.

To maintain the scholarship, scholars must maintain a cumulative, annual GPA of at least 3.5, participate in the University Honors Program and be involved actively in one or more of the following student activies: leadership, government, Lamar Ambassadors, Peer Advisors or undergraduate research. To learn more about opportunities at Lamar University, visit lamar.edu or BeACardinal.com.