North Central PA Times

Mikaela Hileman, of Danville, is the recipient of Commonwealth University-Lock Haven's Robert C. Lomison Scholarship and Sigma Sigma Sigma Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year.

Hileman is a 2022 summa cum laude graduate of Lock Haven's 3+2 pre-physician assistant health science program. This semester, she began graduate school for her Master of Health Science in physician assistant studies.

Along with boasting a 3.9 GPA as an undergraduate student, Hileman is also an active member of the student body. She is an alumna of the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma and a member of the Common Places Church College Ministry.

"I was initially drawn to The Haven by the strength of its health science program and the accelerated 3+2 format, along with its unique access for students to its state-of-the-art cadaver lab," Hileman said. "I also developed a love for the friendly community and intimate class sizes at Lock Haven that made it easy for me to get to know my professors and classmates on a personal level."

"It makes me happy when a professor remembers my name or asks me how my new classes are going," Hileman said. "I've had some great professors during my undergraduate studies, and I continue to be impressed with my professors since transitioning to graduate school."

Hileman's scholarships have also positively impacted her Haven experience by alleviating financial stress and enabling her to invest extra energy into her academic and extra-curricular endeavors.

"Navigating college life can be stressful enough, but my scholarships have eased the hardship of paying for graduate school, which is more than I could ask for," Hileman said. "The donors of my scholarships have blessed me in a way I was not expecting. I want them to know their generosity will continue to multiply into the lives of others when I become a PA-C. I cannot say thank you enough."

Hileman said she is looking forward to attending the Lock Haven University Foundation's James C. Reeser Scholarship Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 9. The brunch, which is an annual event in its ninth year, gives donors the chance to see the impact their giving has on student success at The Haven, while also giving Lock Haven students the opportunity to thank donors for their selfless commitment to helping them achieve their goals.

"The privilege of being able to thank my donors in person means so much to me," Hileman said. "I look forward to sharing with them some of my great academic experiences, some of the things that I'm currently learning, and specifics about my future professional goals."

"Mikaela's story is a great example of the academic success that occurs when donor generosity and hardworking Lock Haven students unite," said Commonwealth University President, Bashar W. Hanna. "Thank you to Bob Lomison and the sisters of Sigma Sigma Sigma for investing in Mikaela's future. Congratulations to Mikaela for all she has achieved, and for all she will go on to accomplish as she continues her academic and professional journeys."

After graduating, Hileman aspires to become a primary care physician assistant. "Both my undergraduate and graduate professors at Lock Haven have left a memorable impact on mmyycholastic journey, while consistently displaying high levels of support and reassurance that she feels provides her with a top-notch medical education."

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