One of Elmhurst University’s newest students is set to arrive this fall with impressive credentials, not to mention her cap and gown.
New transfer student Lucia Rosario Zdenahlik was selected to deliver the keynote address at Oakton College’s inaugural ceremony last month and is also the recipient of this year’s Full Tuition Transfer Honors grant from Elmhurst University.
“It was an honor to be recognized as Oakton College 2023 commencement speaker and to have the opportunity to speak to the Oakton community,” said Zdenahlik of Glenview. “I am incredibly grateful to have received the Elmhurst-Oakton Honors Full Tuition Scholarship and I look forward to continuing my college journey as I move to Elmhurst.”
Zdenahlik, who plans to major in Environmental Studies at Elmhurst, developed this passion for the environment in Oakton, where she served as President of the Honors Student Organization and Co-President of the Environmental Club.
During her address to more than 300 graduates, Zdenahlik shared some of the lessons she learned at Oakton, including accepting help, showing appreciation and kindness, and thanking those who supported her along the way. She was particularly grateful for Oakton’s Honors program, which has helped her navigate her academic experience and the transfer process, and says she can’t wait to apply what she learned there to Elmhurst.
“Students like Lucia bring an invaluable perspective and experience to our student community,” said Michelle Adams, executive director of transfer admission and enrollment partnerships at Elmhurst U., adding that approximately 80% of new transfer students move to Elmhurst each year from the sophomore year, institutions such as Oakton matriculate. “We look forward to welcoming Lucia and all of our other transfer students to Elmhurst University this fall.”
Zdenahlik was one of ten transfer students from Oakton who had committed to going to Elmhurst in the fall. The group includes two sisters, Alexandra Krieger and Gabriela Krieger of Des Plaines, who received grants from the Oakton College Educational Foundation.
Alexandra Krieger received the Ray Hartstein-Brunswick Educational Excellence Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who wishes to pursue studies in business administration, social sciences or education at a four-year college or university. She plans to study music education in Elmhurst. Gabriela Krieger received the William A. Koehnline Scholarship, which is awarded to an Oakton graduate who wishes to pursue an arts or humanities degree at a four-year college or university. In Elmhurst she will prepare to become an English teacher.
About Oakton College
Founded in 1969, Oakton College serves 17 county parishes from Des Plaines (West) to Evanston (East) in two campuses, Des Plaines and Skokie, as well as online. Students can choose from over 130 associate degree and certificate programs and over 100 short-term (completed in a semester or less) career-oriented programs including healthcare, manufacturing and information technology. Oakton places a strong emphasis on promoting diversity and promoting equity. More than 50 languages are spoken at both locations. To find your way around Oakton, please visit Oakton.edu.
About Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is a premier four-year higher education institution that seamlessly blends a liberal arts education and professional preparation to help students reach their full potential. Founded in 1871, Elmhurst today offers more than 70 undergraduate programs, more than 20 graduate and certificate programs in flexible formats, and the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy for young adults of all abilities. According to US News & World Report, Elmhurst University is among the top ranked colleges and universities in the Midwest.
