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Milligan University has awarded its most prestigious academic scholarship, the Jeanes Honors Scholarship, to two incoming freshmen – William Hauser of Sindou, Burkina Faso, and Abigail Pauls, of Dundas, Ontario, Canada.

Named in memory of former Milligan president Donald Jeanes, the Jeanes Honors Scholarships are full-tuition, merit-based academic awards that are part of the Milligan Honors Program. As the 2024 Jeanes Scholars, Hauser and Pauls are recognized for their outstanding academic ability, commitment to scholarly pursuits, sincere Christian faith and their service to others.

“Our Jeanes Scholars serve as the face of Milligan’s Honors Program during their four years,” said Michael Blouin, Ph.D., co-director of the Honors Program. “Our Honors Program offers an intentional community for motivated students seeking to reach their highest potential. Members of this program challenge one another to excel both inside the classroom and as servant-leaders on a world stage.”

Hauser attends Rift Valley Academy in Kijabe, Kenya, where he serves as the chess team coach and founded the elementary chess team. Hauser also coaches and competes on his school’s robotics team, which has received awards at the East African First Lego League competition and at international robotics competitions in Morocco. Hauser is a member of Model United Nations, where he earned awards for French debate and the award for Best Speaker in the International Court of Justice. Hauser is active in his youth group and children’s ministry serving as a youth leader and as a mentor to elementary students. He is the son of Brian and Tabitha Hauser.

At Milligan, Hauser plans to major in mechanical engineering and compete on the robotics and debate team. In selecting a university, Hauser said he was “impressed by Milligan’s campus and the people, and I look forward to the quality education I will receive.”

Pauls is a senior at Westdale Secondary School. She swims competitively for the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club, where she also coaches children weekly and volunteers at swim clinics. She has been active in Model United Nations where she has developed a passion for human rights, diplomacy and international law. She serves as secretary on her school’s student council and as a student senator on her school board. Pauls leads worship and serves in the children’s ministry at her church. She is the daughter of John and Kristina Pauls.

At Milligan, Pauls will major in history and political science and will compete on the swim team. She also plans on joining the debate team and Student Government Association.

“From the moment I first stepped on campus, I knew there was something special about Milligan,” shares Pauls. “I’ve always wanted an adventure; being an entire country and 11-hour drive away, Milligan is just that. For me, Milligan provides a unique opportunity to continue swimming, receive a credible education and grow in my faith in a tight-knit Christian community.”