Adrian stand before Higgens Hall.Adrian, Sophomore

Adrian is one of four Western Illinois students named to the Class of 2010 Dr. Alvin Goldfarb Scholars. The award, $1,000 renewable for 4 years, is for incoming freshmen with a 24 ACT or higher and an upper 15% class ranking and transfers with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

He also received the Outstanding New Freshman Scholarship from the Centennial Honors College; and a room cost waiver for a double room as part of the Residential Scholar Initiative Program, which awards 125 incoming freshmen and transfer students with a 27 ACT or higher the room waiver each year.

"I was definitely surprised to receive these scholarships," he said. "I was unaware that I had qualified, but the scholarship department actually contacted me and told me that I should apply.

"The scholarships have been especially important in helping me afford college and all the related expenses," Adrian added.

Why Western?

"I was considering other colleges like Illinois State, Loyola, the University of Illinois and Ohio State. I decided on Western because of its great reputation in law enforcement," Adrian said.

Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) 101 Assistant Professor Bill Poncin – who earned a juris doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, was elected to four terms as McDonough County States Attorney and has more than 24 years of experience as a prosecutor – "taught me an unbelievable amount about the legal system and was a great teacher," he added. "He definitely reinforced my decision to major in law enforcement.

"I also love the atmosphere at Western. I have visited several other colleges but have always felt Western was the right fit," Adrian said. "It's not too big, not too small, and people are generally friendlier."

Career Plans?

"After graduating from Western, I hope to work for either the Drug Enforcement Administration or as a K-9 officer for one of the police departments near my hometown," Adrian said.