Health Science Junior Receives Honors LHU Foundation Excellence and Academic Honors Scholarships

Carson Ikner, of Altoona, is the recipient of an Honors LHU Foundation Excellence Scholarship and Academic Honors Scholarship for the 2022-23 school year.

Ikner is a second-year junior, health science major in Commonwealth University-Lock Haven's 3+2 undergraduate physician assistant (PA) program. In the classroom, he boasts a perfect 4.0 GPA. Outside the classroom, he is actively involved as a member of The Haven's Global Honors Program and Health Science Club. He is also a local volunteer, assisting Downtown Lock Haven Inc. with organizing weekly community events.

Ikner chose Lock Haven for three main reasons: its affordability, the strength of its PA program, and the small, homelike size that he said makes getting to know his professors and peers easier.

He also said the scholarship application process is quick and easy. He credits his scholarships for positively impacting his Haven experience by enabling him to dedicate the bulk of his time to excelling in his academic performance.

"My scholarships help me tremendously by saving me thousands each year," Ikner said. "I work to save money over my breaks from school, and I take out student loans each year, but my scholarships are what really help to close the gap in funding my education."

"I want my donors to know that their support is not going to waste," he added. "I am working hard in all my classes in order to graduate and successfully start my career, and because of them, I can focus all my capacities on studying, instead of worrying about having to overcome financial obstacles."

"Congratulations to Carson for each of the scholarships he has received," said University president, Bashar Hanna. "I wish him continued success in his academic and professional career."

Upon graduating, Ikner's professional goal is to become a physician assistant, with a focus in either pediatrics or family medicine.