Award Ceremony Celebrates First Houston Vanderbilt Scholars

This fall, Vanderbilt University will welcome 30 new Posse Scholars to its prestigious campus. Among them will be 10 pioneering students from the “Bayou City,” members of the inaugural class of Houston Scholars at the venerable institution. They join two Posse cohorts from New York City, marking a milestone not only for Posse Houston but also for the 35-year Vanderbilt-Posse partnership.

"I’m proud to be one of the students going to Vanderbilt, and I hope to learn and grow to become a changemaker in the world,” says Posse Houston Scholar Chizara Idika. “On campus, I want to be involved in clubs and organizations where I can explore leadership and learning opportunities. I wish to be the kind of student my peers can count on to support them in times of need.”

Mallory Rodriguez, another incoming Posse Houston Scholar, says, "I am honored to have the opportunity to set a precedent for future Houston Posses joining Vanderbilt. I am excited to immerse myself in core classes and participate in the traditions that define the Vanderbilt experience.”

In addition to celebrating Vanderbilt’s newest Houston cohort, Posse Houston also honors and recognizes four other newly selected cohorts destined for esteemed university partners: Bryn Mawr College, Carleton College, Colby College, and Texas A&M University.

Since January, all selected Scholars have been participating in Posse’s eight-month Pre-Collegiate Training Program. The curriculum is designed to develop the newest Scholars’ academic, communication and leadership skills, preparing them to succeed in college and beyond.