A Ferris freshman was awarded the Phi Sigma Kappa Emerging Leaders Scholarship for his leadership and high academic performance.
Ferris freshman pre-optometry major and Big Rapids native Alexander Conati was the scholarship recipient of $500.
“Ferris is such a great university,” Conati said. “I am amazed by the diversity, people, ideas, and perspectives found in such a rural setting.”
With his heart at home, Conati dove head-first into giving back to Ferris and being as active as possible. He is involved in the Miller-Ward Hall Council, the Resident Hall Association, the Pre-Optometry Club and the Honors Programming Board. He has also applied to be a Residential Advisor.
“Alex is the type of person that people gravitate and look up to,” Ferris senior political science major and Phi Sigma Kappa President Jacob Vanboxel said. “He’s an extremely bright young man who has a great amount of potential; we’re just happy to be able to help him in his pursuit.”
Conati was involved in sports, band, student government and volunteered at numerous events and tutored children throughout high school.
According to Vanboxel, after meeting Conati, reviewing his active involvement and outstanding academic performance in high school and in college, Vanboxel knew Conati would utilize the scholarship and become that leader on campus.
The Phi Sigma Kappa Emerging Leaders Scholarship began in 2010 and is available to incoming freshman.
Conati plans to show Phi Sigma Kappa they made a valuable investment in his future.
“I would like to extend my gratitude toward the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity,” Conati said. “I really want them to know the money that they invested in me will be used to its full extent. I hope to demonstrate the cardinal principals that are set forth by their institution which is brotherhood, character and scholarship.”