June 01, 2006

McNitt wins SIU Presidential Scholarship

by K.C. Jaehnig

 CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Adam McNitt of Shiloh (4062 Clintonview Court) has won a Presidential Scholarship that will pay for his tuition, fees, room and board at Southern Illinois University Carbondale for each of the next four years.

Worth about $56,000 in all, the grants are the largest awarded to the University's undergraduates.

The late James E. Walker, former president of SIU, set up the Presidential Scholarships in 2001. Each year, they go to 19 Illinois students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and who have at least a 3.75 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and a minimum ACT composite score of 29.

A graduate of Belleville East High School, McNitt plans to major in film at SIUC. His honors include first place in the National Geography Challenge, the Bronze Award for venture crew, and an award for outstanding achievement in psychology.

He also played a leadership role on the speech team, where he served as captain for two years, on the Student Council, where he served as parliamentarian, and with the Thespians, where he served as secretary. Other activities include the Film Club, concert and swing choirs, and the high school's theater.

McNitt is the son of Fred and Hope McNitt.

Strengthening the undergraduate scholarship program is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint the University is following as it approaches its 150th anniversary in 2019.