MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (March 6, 2024) — A student who hopes to have a career with the FBI and one with plans to attend medical school have been named the two Admiral's Scholars in Monmouth College's Class of 2028.
Rouya Mirzaei of Muskego, Wisconsin (above), and Angie Swan of Galesburg, Illinois (below), have received one of the top scholarships the College awards to incoming freshmen.
Admiral's Scholars receive a full-tuition scholarship worth more than $160,000 over four years at the national liberal-arts college. They also receive a one-time $5,000 educational enrichment stipend, which can be used to explore or to take advantage of academic opportunities beyond the classroom or campus.
Mirzaei, who is a senior at Muskego High School, said that when she received the news from her Monmouth admission counselor "it was a big celebration."
"I literally could not feel anything the moment I heard it," said Mirzaei, the daughter of Saeid and Elaheh Mirzaei. "This is like an absolute dream come true. It makes me feel relieved because my parents traveled all the way from Iran for the sake of our education — my brother's education, my sister's education.
"I have tried really hard to give back to them because they sacrificed all of their education to come here for the sake of our education. So, the fact that I was able to get the scholarship was truly a blessing. They were very proud of me; nothing feels better than when your parents are proud of you."
Swan, who is a senior at Galesburg High School, said the good news was also a hit with her family, which moved from Chicago to Galesburg.
"I was in the middle of getting ready for soccer practice when I got the news," said Swan, the daughter of Sherri Swan. "Then I texted my mom and said, 'Monmouth called me; they want me.' But then I had to go to soccer practice, so I kind of left her on a cliffhanger. But it was very exciting."
Swan, who was encouraged to investigate Monmouth because of a high-school teacher, plans to major in political science, minor in accounting, and play for the Fighting Scots women's soccer team. She hopes to work for the FBI after she graduates from Monmouth.
"I would like to join the FBI and work for the child sex-trafficking unit," said Swan.
Mirzaei, who said she was attracted to Monmouth because of its strong academic programs and opportunities to participate in intercollegiate athletics, plans to select a major that will prepare her for medical school. In addition to competing for the Muskego High School school's cross-country team, Mirzaei is also a member of her school's forensics team and serves as a math tutor.
"I just love learning nutrition," she said. "Right now, I want to learn more about nutrition and nutritional research. The opportunities to do that are making me really excited about attending Monmouth College."
Founded in 1853 and affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), Monmouth College provides a transformative educational experience within a caring community of learners. A residential liberal-arts college that is the birthplace of the women's-fraternity movement, Monmouth College empowers students to realize their full potential, live meaningful lives, pursue successful careers, and shape their communities and the world through service and leadership.
