​AHS alumna named MSU’s first Schwarzman Scholar

Troy Athens graduate and Michigan State University alumna Angela Yuan has been named MSU’s first Schwarzman Scholar.

The Schwarzman Scholars program selects students from around the world for a fully funded one-year master’s degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. This year, more than 4,200 candidates applied globally. Approximately 400 candidates were interviewed, producing a class of 150 Schwarzman Scholars.

Yuan graduated from Athens High School in 2018 and is fondly remembered for her leadership on Student Council. “Angela was a four-year student council member and served in various roles during her time at Athens, most notably as a class officer and executive council officer. She was always highly motivated and enthusiastic when organizing student council activities for our school,” said Shawn DuFresne, Athens StuCo adviser. “I am proud that Angela continues to make a difference in the world!” Athens teacher Rachel Peterson agrees: “I can recall Angela being a fun-loving and inquisitive student who worked hard in her science courses. She always had the biggest smile on her face and was super kind to everyone.”

Yuan graduated from MSU in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and sustainability from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She is currently the project manager and diversity, equity and inclusion lead at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, where she educates lawmakers about water and environmental justice policy solutions. Her experience includes work with the U.S. Forest Service and on the Flint water crisis lawsuits. Yuan has received a watershed planning award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and she volunteers her time with nonprofit and government boards and committees.

Yuan seeks to expand her global network through the Schwarzman Scholars program, fostering cross-cultural collaboration to advance her mission of protecting environmental and public health for underserved international communities.

“I am honored to have been selected as a Schwarzman Scholar and deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue a master’s in global affairs at Tsinghua University,” Yuan said. “This program will fortify my leadership and global affairs expertise, empowering me to drive large-scale change in a dynamic geopolitical landscape and continue championing environmental protection for underserved communities.”

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Photo courtesy of Michigan State University