By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Hillsboro High School senior Annaliese Jorgenson is one of 15 students chosen for a full-ride scholarship at Wichita State University.

Each of the state’s 45 Rudd Foundation scholars receive tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and networking and coaching support.

All are from Kansas and will attend Wichita State, Emporia State, Fort Hays State or Kansas State.

Annaliese is the only Rudd Foundation scholar from Marion County.

She was chosen not only for her academic achievements but also for her life story and contributions to her community.

“The Rudd Foundation has blessed these students and their families with a gift which allows them to pursue all their collegiate hopes and dreams in a debt-free, powerful mentor-and-coaching environment, Wichita State spokesman Bobby Gandu said.

Scholars live on campus, carry a full load of classes, and mentoring and coaching to help them graduate in four years.

They participate in developmental activities outside the classroom, network with leaders in their future professions, build relationships among themselves, and help the next generation of scholars through an alumni association after graduation.

“We have no doubt these students will be extraordinarily successful, just as their Shocker Rudd Scholars predecessors have been,” Gandu said.

To date, 63 WSU students have been Rudd scholars. Since its inception, the scholarship program has awarded more than 200 scholarships, representing an overall investment of more than $10 million.

Sponsored by the Rudd Foundation, aims to remove financial barriers to a college education. Selected scholars are expected to achieve a high level of excellence on campus, preparing to be leaders in their profession and communities.