ESU Senior Finalist for Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence

Shelby Jimcosky

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on May 1, 2020, No Comments

Shelby Jimcosky, a senior at East Stroudsburg University (ESU) from Scranton, Pa., was ESU’s finalist for the 2020 Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence.

Created in 2000, the Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence is conferred upon a graduating senior from one of the 14 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The award was founded by Dr. Syed R. Ali-Zaidi, a charter member of the State System Board of Governors.

Jimcosky is majoring in political science with a concentration in American Government and a minor in communication. Her strong academic success and is just part of her story that makes her an ideal candidate for the award. She is a student who loves to take on challenges and always comes through with the utmost confidence and expected results. She is a critical thinker and always looking to better herself and her fellow students.

Jimcosky has served in various academic capacities representing the student body during her years at ESU. As the Student Government Association academic affairs chair she had the opportunity to work as a liaison for the student body and administration, which allowed her to provide critical input and recommendations to academic affairs. She also served as the only student representative on the Provost Leadership Team and was one of 12 students that sites on the University Wide Senate. At the State System level, Jimcosky served as the student on the PASSHE Redesign Team as part of the Development Education Vision sub-team. She is a strong advocate for not only ESU but for the entire state system as is evident from her involvement in past advocacy days, as well as the opportunity to testify in front of the House Democratic Policy Committee on the topic of College Affordability.

During her studies at ESU, Jimcosky has become very passionate and committed to equality, justice, cultural diversity, and respect for humanity which she used to show the parallels of the struggles for equality for people of color through her research project that was presented at the ESU Research Symposium in spring 2018. Her passion benefits her fellow students by her role as president of the Feminist Alliance Club and vice president of the Political Science Club.

Jimcosky plans to attend law school upon her graduation from ESU, and is currently working as a bookkeeping intern for a local law firm.

“It was an honor to nominate Shelby for this award. Her academic achievements are outstanding, she has an active pursuit of knowledge and her research in her field of study speaks volumes for her work and her future,” said Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., president of ESU. “I can say without any hesitation that Shelby is a true Warrior and has clearly demonstrated her overall success at ESU. She will continue to make our commonwealth proud.”

Candidates for the 2020 award were recommended by their university president at the conclusion of a campus application and selection process that was open to all graduating seniors. Multiple selection criteria included outstanding academic scholarship, including prizes, honors, and honorary societies; participation in extra/co-curricular activities; and a two-page essay by the nominee addressing how the university has prepared him or her for the next career step.