Two Incoming Students Awarded Alice Hamilton Scholarship

Two incoming freshman students, planning to enroll for the Fall 2025 semester, have been awarded the Alice Hamilton Scholarship. This award covers their entire tuition for all four years at Taylor University.

Isaiah Dawson, from Fort Wayne, Ind., and Keirsten Nies, from Logansport, Ind., were selected from a cohort of more than 100 gifted and high-achieving high school students who competed for the scholarship at the annual Scholars Day in November.

Alice Hamilton, the scholarship’s namesake, attended the Fort Wayne College of Medicine (then a part of Taylor University) in 1890, prior to Taylor moving to Upland in 1893. Hamilton was a noted doctor, advocate for workers, peace ambassador, and the first female professor at Harvard Medical School.

“Isaiah and Keirsten are representatives of the incredible students that come to Taylor,” said Andy Gammons, Executive Director of Admissions. “They are gifted academically, and they actively seek out ways to serve the church and their communities. We can’t wait to welcome them to campus in the fall.”

Isaiah Dawson grew up overseas and now lives in Fort Wayne, Ind. His family are missionaries in Spain, and he attended a Spanish-speaking high school for his first two years of high school. He finished high school in Germany at Black Forest Academy, graduating in May 2023. Since then, he has been taking a gap year, working at the Fort Wayne Zoo, as an emergency medical technician (EMT), and as a volunteer for a suicide prevention online chat. He also helps lead worship and Bible studies at his church. At Taylor University, he will study Biology Health Sciences (pre-medicine) with hopes of becoming a doctor.

 

 

Involved in many areas in high school, Keirsten Nies of Logansport, Ind., highlights her participation in Indiana Youth Advisory Board, the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation, and the Notre Dame Summer Scholars program. She was raised by her grandmother, who passed away three years ago. Dealing with such a loss at her young age was a significant challenge, and she is thankful for the spiritual growth she experienced during that time. Keirsten credits Martica Rogers, her English teacher and Taylor University alumna, as a huge mentor in her life. She hopes to study Biology Health Sciences (pre-medicine) and then attend medical school.