July 15, 2025
Trine University student Alexander Jackson has been named as the recipient of a $5,000 Founders Fund scholarship from Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society for first-year college students.
Jackson, an exercise science/pre-physical therapy major from Hillsdale, Michigan, was vice president of Trineās Phi Eta Sigma chapter this past year.
Lauren Hillin, a biology major from Charlotte, North Carolina, was previously announced as a scholarship winner.
Natural step
Jackson heard about the scholarship through Phi Eta Sigma’s monthly newsletter.
āAfter forming strong connections during the trip to Phi Eta Sigma Nationals and seeing the continued growth of the Trine University Phi Eta Sigma chapter, I felt I had a real chance at being selected,ā he said. āIt felt like a natural step to represent our chapter at the national level.ā
Jackson and Hillin, who served as president, represented Trineās chapter at Phi Eta Sigmaās 2024 National Convention last fall.
Jackson described the application process as straightforward and thanked professors Lexie Staten and Steven Donovan for writing letters of recommendation on his behalf.
Even though he thought he had a chance of receiving a scholarship, he said he was still surprised and very excited when he found out he got one.
By lessening the financial burden of his education, he said the scholarship will help him focus more on his studies as he pursues a graduate degree in physical therapy.
āItās a meaningful step toward reaching my career goals,ā he said.
Heās grateful to Phi Eta Sigma for recognizing student leaders at both local and national levels.
āBeing part of this organization has connected me with inspiring individuals across the country, and I look forward to continuing to give back to our chapter and community,ā he said.
Phi Eta Sigma scholarships
Phi Eta Sigma awards scholarships to students who have demonstrated leadership, service, academic excellence and a commitment and involvement within Phi Eta Sigma.
In 1940, the Honor Society established its Founders Fund to award scholarships to students at the national level. Each year, Phi Eta Sigma awards more than $400,000 in scholarships at the national level through its Founders Fund program, convention grants and local scholarships.
Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois to encourage and reward high scholastic achievement among members of the freshman classes. Today, Phi Eta Sigma supports more than 175 active chapters across the nation.
The organization, both nationally and at Trine University, has focused on initiatives to improve literacy and educational access, working to uplift communities through education.
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