Transylvania University junior Ella Go has received this year’s Charles and Susan Shearer Scholarship for her outstanding academic record and significant campus contributions.
The scholarship, which will cover her senior year tuition and general fees, was established in honor of Transylvania’s president from 1983-2010 and his wife.
A physics major from Henderson, Kentucky, Go is a pre-med student with double minors in mathematics and Chinese. She also serves as a resident assistant and is involved with the Asian Student Alliance, Transylvania Environmental Action League and Chinese Club. Plus, she tutors in Chinese and has performed in the classical guitar ensemble.
A fellow Pioneer described Go as “an exemplary student leader who cares deeply for the Transylvania community.”
Another wrote she “possesses a drive toward bettering our world on all scales and knows that this means being the spark of motivation that inspires others.”
Go encouraged incoming students this fall to also get involved broadly rather than limiting themselves to one path or waiting for a leadership role. “Do everything that you’re interested in, because it’s always easier to realize that you’re doing too much and to take a step back than to regret that you didn’t do something.”
Additionally, she stressed the importance of building sustainable student organizations that can continue after current leaders graduate, using the Asian Student Alliance as an example. Members are ensuring that those who come after them will have plenty to build on. “We’ve put in a lot of work setting a plan,” Go added.
As for academics, her original focus on physics shifted to pre-med last term. She credits Transylvania’s well-rounded liberal arts education with helping her switch gears. “Because of that ability to explore, I got to do so many different things and take so many classes that I wouldn’t have been able to if I was just always pre-med.”
A faculty member said Go is an exemplary student of the liberal arts — which extends beyond the classroom. “She is a well-respected leader on campus, and she is of the highest character.”
Photo: Ella Go and Andrew McMichael, executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university, are pictured at the recent University Student Awards. McMichael congratulated her on the scholarship during the ceremony.