Waubonsee Community College Student Trustee Juan Chiu, of Aurora, has been named a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Silver Scholar. He will receive a $1,250 scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze Scholars with nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Each scholar also receives a commemorative medallion. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.
At the April board meeting, Chiu will be recognized for his academic achievement, leadership, community service, and engagement at Waubonsee. In addition, Chiu will receive recognition at both local and statewide ceremonies and during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention to be held in Columbus, Ohio, April 20-22.
As Student Trustee, Chiu has gained significant experience throughout his time at Waubonsee. He believes his exposure to issues college students face has helped him navigate the higher education environment and become a better advocate for himself and others.
“As much as college is about your classes, I feel there is a certain barrier we don’t talk about, and that is understanding the lingo, how to approach counselors and professors, and how to develop yourself in that environment,” said Chiu. “Waubonsee offers a good assortment of resources to compensate for that deficit.”
After graduating from Waubonsee in May, Chiu aspires to earn a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.
