One of Elmhurst University’s newest students will be arriving this fall with some impressive credentials already under her belt, not to mention her cap and gown.
Incoming transfer student Lucia Rosario Zdenahlik was selected to deliver the keynote address at Oakton College’s commencement ceremony last month, and she also is the recipient of this year’s full-tuition Transfer Honors Scholarship from Elmhurst University.
“It was an honor to be recognized as the Oakton College 2023 commencement speaker and have the opportunity to address the Oakton community,” said Zdenahlik, of Glenview. “I am incredibly grateful to be receiving the Elmhurst-Oakton honors full tuition scholarship, and I am excited to continue my higher education journey as I transfer to Elmhurst.”
Zdenahlik, who plans to major in environmental studies at Elmhurst, developed that passion for the environment at Oakton, where she was president of the Honors Student Organization and co-president of the Environmental Club.
During her address before more than 300 graduates, Zdenahlik shared some of the lessons she learned at Oakton, including to accept help, to show appreciation and kindness, and to thank those who have supported them throughout their journey. She was especially grateful to Oakton’s Honors Program, which helped her navigate her academic experience and the transfer process, and says she is eager to apply what she learned there at Elmhurst.
“Students like Lucia bring an invaluable perspective and experience to our student community,” said Michelle Adams, senior director of transfer admission and enrollment partnerships at Elmhurst U., adding that each year approximately 80% of Elmhurst’s new transfer students matriculate from two-year institutions like Oakton. “We look forward to welcoming Lucia and all of our other transfer students to Elmhurst University this fall.”
Zdenahlik was one of 10 transfer students from Oakton who have committed to attend Elmhurst in the fall. The group includes two sisters, Alexandra Krieger and Gabriela Krieger, of Des Plaines, who were awarded scholarships through the Oakton College Educational Foundation.
Alexandra Krieger received the Ray Hartstein-Brunswick Educational Excellence Scholarship, awarded to a student who plans to continue studies in business, social science or education at a four-year college or university. She plans to pursue a music education degree at Elmhurst. Gabriela Krieger received the William A. Koehnline Scholarship, awarded to an Oakton graduate who plans to continue studies in arts or humanities at a four-year college or university. At Elmhurst, she will prepare to become an English teacher.
About Oakton College
Founded in 1969, Oakton College serves 17 in-district communities from Des Plaines (west) to Evanston (east) on two campuses, Des Plaines and Skokie, as well as online. Students can choose from 130+ associate degree and certificate programs and 100+ short-term (completion in one semester or less) career-focused programs, including health careers, manufacturing and information technology. Oakton places great value on embracing diversity and advancing equity, and there are 50+ languages spoken on both campuses. To find your path at Oakton, please visit oakton.edu.
About Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students reach their full potential. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst now offers more than 70 undergraduate programs of study, more than 20 graduate and certificate programs in flexible formats, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst University is among the top-ranked colleges and universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report.