Maria Lebron grew up in Belleville, Michigan, and graduated third in her class from Belleville High School. She is a junior in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, and is concentrating her classwork in the College of Nursing. Lebron has received the Ernie and Mary Lofton Endowed Scholarship to assist with her education expenses.

Why did you decide to come to WSU?
I considered a number of universities before deciding on Wayne State. I'd heard that to be successful the college you pick has to suit you. There is so much acceptance, opportunity and potential at Wayne State, so it suits a great variety of students who may never have fathomed winding up together. To attend a school with such liveliness and openness, diversity of people, and depth of educational opportunity was at the core of my wanting to be at Wayne State compared to other universities.

How did financial aid influence your decision?
Financial aid was truly the top factor in my decision to attend Wayne State. I do not come from a financially well-off family, and I had to think smart during my senior year of high school when I was deciding on a college. Without a doubt, Wayne State proved to be the best decision for my career path and social life, and it was the most generous when it came to financial aid. With scholarships, grants and loans, I knew I could finally breathe easy and pay for my education.
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Where will your major in nursing lead you after graduation?
I've known for quite some time that I wanted to get into the field of medicine as a career. I hope to eventually become a nurse-midwife through the College of Nursing's graduate program.

Why is the Ernie and Mary Lofton Endowed Scholarship important to you?
The scholarship has given me relief from the burden that so many college students face - paying for their education. Such a generous gift is truly marvelous. By going to Wayne State, I am making a solid future for myself. It eases my mind to know that support from the Lofton Scholarship is there to help me realize my future. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

What do you like best about WSU?
I love the diversity and feeling of acceptance here. Even with the size of this large institution, I don't feel like I'm just a number.

What is your favorite class?
The class in microbiology I took last year was my most challenging to date. But the bonds I formed with fellow students helped me push ahead and feel great about my academic accomplishments.

Which professor has taught you the most?
Professor Jyoti Nautiyal was my anatomy and physiology instructor. Going into that class, I heard how difficult it would be and how intense the workload was. However, Professor Nautiyal's direct approach to the subject matter and clear expectations put me at ease. As a teacher, she is a good guide who explains the material and tests accordingly. Because of the tools she provided, I was not caught off guard by any quizzes or exams. I highly value her method of teaching.

Are you involved in any student groups or other campus activities?
I am a student in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, and I have taken advantage of the activities and community involvement offered by that special curriculum. I also am a member of the WSU Student Ambassadors, which enables me to be a student leader who represents the university in an official capacity at various special events throughout the year. It is a wonderful opportunity to enhance my leadership and communication skills and to grow personally and professionally.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I really enjoy baking so I do that as often as I can. I also love to be outside, reading a book sitting on the grass or going for a walk. My family is very important to me and I spend time with them as much as possible.

The Lofton Endowed Scholarship was established in 1990. Since that time, it has assisted numerous full-time undergraduate students. Donor-funded scholarships are an important part of financial aid at Wayne State. To learn how you can support more students like Maria Lebron by establishing an annual or endowed scholarship, please contact the Wayne State University Division of Development and Alumni Affairs at (313) 577-2275.