Trine student Alexander Jackson receives Phi Eta Sigma scholarship

Trine University student Alexander Jackson has been named as the recipient of a $5,000 Founders Fund scholarship from Phi Eta Sigma, a national honor society for first-year college students.

Jackson, an exercise science/pre-physical therapy major from Hillsdale, Michigan, was vice president of Trine’s Phi Eta Sigma chapter this past year.

Lauren Hillin, a biology major from Charlotte, North Carolina, was previously announced as a scholarship winner.

Natural step

Jackson heard about the scholarship through Phi Eta Sigma's monthly newsletter.

“After forming strong connections during the trip to Phi Eta Sigma Nationals and seeing the continued growth of the Trine University Phi Eta Sigma chapter, I felt I had a real chance at being selected,” he said. “It felt like a natural step to represent our chapter at the national level.”

Jackson and Hillin, who served as president, represented Trine’s chapter at Phi Eta Sigma’s 2024 National Convention last fall.

Jackson described the application process as straightforward and thanked professors Lexie Staten and Steven Donovan for writing letters of recommendation on his behalf.

Even though he thought he had a chance of receiving a scholarship, he said he was still surprised and very excited when he found out he got one.

By lessening the financial burden of his education, he said the scholarship will help him focus more on his studies as he pursues a graduate degree in physical therapy.

“It’s a meaningful step toward reaching my career goals,” he said.

He’s grateful to Phi Eta Sigma for recognizing student leaders at both local and national levels.

“Being part of this organization has connected me with inspiring individuals across the country, and I look forward to continuing to give back to our chapter and community,” he said.

Phi Eta Sigma scholarships

Phi Eta Sigma awards scholarships to students who have demonstrated leadership, service, academic excellence and a commitment and involvement within Phi Eta Sigma.

In 1940, the Honor Society established its Founders Fund to award scholarships to students at the national level. Each year, Phi Eta Sigma awards more than $400,000 in scholarships at the national level through its Founders Fund program, convention grants and local scholarships.

Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Phi Eta Sigma was founded in 1923 at the University of Illinois to encourage and reward high scholastic achievement among members of the freshman classes. Today, Phi Eta Sigma supports more than 175 active chapters across the nation.

The organization, both nationally and at Trine University, has focused on initiatives to improve literacy and educational access, working to uplift communities through education.