Eastern Oregon University Names Faris Seranik Presidential Scholar
La Grande, OregonEastern Oregon University (EOU) has announced that Faris Seranik is this year's recipient of the prestigious President's Scholar Award. The award, which recognizes an outstanding graduating student who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership and contributions to the community, will be honored at the university's commencement ceremony on June 15.
Seranick, an economics major with minors in business administration and communications, has maintained a cumulative grade point average of 3.88 and been on the Dean's Commendation List since transferring to EOU from Southern California's College of the Desert. His academic journey has been filled with success, including leadership roles in student government and being nominated by faculty for the 2024 Economics Student of the Year award.
“EOU created an incredibly supportive environment for me on my path to becoming an attorney,” Celanick said, “and EOU's professors and resources played a key role in helping me receive a scholarship to attend the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.”
Outside of his academics, Seranik was an active member of the campus community, serving as a judge on EOU’s Student Government Association (ASEOU) and working to ensure student voices were heard. His leadership also extended to the realm of sports as a member of the EOU men’s soccer team and the EOU Student Athletes Association (ASA), where he helped organize mental health projects and sporting events.
Selanik's resilience and drive are rooted in his family history. Both of his parents fled the country during the collapse of the former Yugoslavia. The first generation to attend college, Selanik maintains strong ties to the region and returns to Bosnia every year. He credits his family's experiences with instilling in him a strong work ethic and determination – qualities that also embody the Mountaineer spirit.
“I was so happy to get the call from Chancellor Ryan,” Seranik said. “I didn't know what to expect, but I was so happy. I'm so grateful to have been selected.”
The President's Scholar award recognizes Seranik's academic and extracurricular achievements and includes a cash prize supported by the EOU Foundation. Seranik will speak to the graduates at the graduation ceremony on June 15, sharing the experiences and insights he has gained during his time at EOU.
“My speech is going to be about the students,” Seranik said, “and all the great things the Class of 2024 has accomplished.”
For more information about the President's Scholar Award and other student achievements, visit eou.edu/commencement/presidents-scholar .
