FAU’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Celebrates Largest Graduating Class
On April 23, Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars celebrated a milestone — the graduation of 12 scholars, marking the largest graduating class in the program’s history since its inception in 2017. These new graduates will join a network of 68 alumni who have built successful careers across Florida and beyond.
Designed to empower first-generation college students, Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars program enables participants to graduate from FAU debt-free in four years or less. Scholars receive financial support, mentorship and resources to help realize their academic dreams. Notably, five of this year’s graduates began their educational journey with Take Stock in Children, another local organization dedicated to increasing graduation rates among first-generation students.
Jillian Hasner, wife of FAU President Adam Hasner, attended the celebration, underscoring the university’s strong commitment to first-generation student success. The ceremony also featured remarks from program co-founder Aubrey Strul and President Hasner, and welcomed university faculty, donors and board members.
Two scholars shared their personal journeys. Jean Pierre, a dynamic student leader, serves as a Student Government senator, president of Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) and vice president of Black Men in Medicine. He has also contributed to multiple research projects, including a publication in the POCUS Journal. Meanwhile, Lucila Solari-Casalini, who plans to pursue her master’s degree in social work, reflected on her leadership roles as president of Tri-Alpha Honors Society — a first-generation honors organization — and as a founding sister of the Delta Rho chapter of Sigma Delta Tau.
For more information, visit kellystrulscholars.fau.edu.
Eduardo Schneider | Schneider Photography & Film
