CSUN Names 16 ‘Presidential Scholars’

Three Valley residents are among 16 students to be awarded full scholarships this fall by Cal State Northridge as part of a program to attract more brilliant incoming freshmen.

The students were chosen to be university “presidential scholars” based on their high school grades, Scholastic Achievement Test scores and a two- to three-page personal statement.

The young scholars scored in the 1,300 range on the SAT and were in the top 5% of their high school class, said Tom Piernik, the school’s director of student development and international programs.

Camila Dizon of North Hills, Arwen Vidal of Northridge and Joshua Midtlyng of Granada Hills are the scholarship’s Valley recipients.

This year will mark the first time CSUN has offered the full scholarships to outstanding students, Piernik said, adding that the university is just starting to realize its programs can draw top students.

The university’s goal is to choose 20 students a year for the scholarship program, which is funded through private donations.

Because college courses generally are more challenging than those in high school, CSUN will give the presidential scholars a break during the transition. They must maintain a 3.25 average during their first year and a 3.5 average after that to continue to receive the funds, Piernik said.

Many of the students already are enrolled in the university’s Honors Program and are confident they will adapt to the more difficult material.

The 16 students also are expected to participate in a 75-hour per semester mentorship in which they will work closely with faculty and community leaders on education-related projects.