Madison Reporter

Madison College student Ruiqi Zeng has been named the 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar, receiving a $2,250 scholarship. Zeng, a biological and biomedical science student in the university transfer program, plans to graduate in May 2025 and transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree and eventually work in healthcare.

Zeng hails from China and is an international student. She developed a passion for medicine in high school through anatomy and physiology classes, which sparked her interest in understanding the human body and disease processes. Zeng aims to become a physician assistant and currently works as a nursing assistant.

Besides her studies, Zeng has been active in several leadership roles on campus. She has served on the Madison College District Board, Phi Theta Kappa, the Asian American Student Association, and the Future Healthcare Professional Club. Additionally, she has volunteered at local community centers and a blood donation center.

The New Century Transfer Scholars are chosen based on academic performance, leadership, and involvement in activities beyond the classroom. Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses were nominated, but only one scholar is selected from each state.

“We congratulate Ruiqi on receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the AACC to recognize these outstanding achievements,” stated Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. She added, “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.”

Zeng will be honored at the Phi Theta Kappa President’s Breakfast on April 15, during the American Association of Community Colleges Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information, the New Century Transfer Scholar website can be visited.