(Posted April 16, 2012)

Zach Strouse, a sophomore from Lock Haven, Pa.
Zach Strouse, a sophomore from Lock Haven, Pa.

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Zachary Strouse, a sophomore from Lock Haven, Pa., studying English literature and politics and the son of Amy and Randy Strouse, of Lock Haven, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Andrew Mutch Scholarship from the St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia.

"The opportunity to challenge and enrich myself with an overseas education was too valuable to pass up," Strouse says. "The opportunity to compete for scholarships such as the St. Andrews Fellowship is crucial, because it allows students who could not financially afford a full year of study abroad to have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich literary and political history that is embedded in Scottish culture."

Only five students from 19 participating colleges and universities in and around Philadelphia are selected to attend one of the five participating universities in Scotland for one year. Strouse is the 21st Juniata College student to receive this prestigious award since Juniata's affiliation with the program in 1979. He will study at the University of Edinburgh during his junior year, the 2012-2013 academic year.

To be considered for the scholarship, a student must first be in the top fifth of the sophomore class. The candidate then completes an application and interviews with the president, provost, dean of international programs, international education committee, and the scholarship committee. From these interviews, each institution selects one candidate who then travels to Philadelphia to compete for one of the five scholarships.

Strouse, a 2010 graduate of Bucktail Area High School, will take classes on Scottish literature and plans to research language development during his year in Scotland.

"The opportunity to compete for scholarships such as the St. Andrews Fellowship is crucial, because it allows students who could not financially afford a full year of study abroad to have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich literary and political history that is embedded in Scottish culture."

Zach Strouse, sophomore, Lock Haven, Pa.

In addition to studying politics, Strouse is active in campus politics as well. He is vice president of the sophomore class and also a member of the Juniata Democrats student club. He also is a member of the Juniata Activities Board student club. He also participated in the Juniata Concert Choir during his freshman year and part of his sophomore year.

He received the Piper Foundation Scholarship from Bucktail Area High School and has made Juniata's dean's list three straight semesters.
This summer he will work as a counselor at Camp Windsor Mountain, in Windsor, N.H. "The summer camp is affiliated with the United Nations so there are a lot of international students who participate," Strouse explains.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.