Future looks bright for JU Scholarship Luncheon speaker Zoe Rocke

By Taylor Agnew

Jacksonville University senior

If not for her Honors scholarship and the relationships she cultivated with faculty members, Zoe Rocke wasn’t sure if Jacksonville University was in her future. But that future now seems set: She has been on either the President’s List or the Dean’s List each semester at JU.

The senior chemistry major’s academic success and campus accomplishments are a testament to her determination. Among other things, she is Athletic Representative for the Jacksonville University Student Alliance, Vice President of the JU Medical Professions Society, Secretary/Treasurer of the  JU Green Key National Leadership Society, a Mayo Clinic Florida intern and Treasurer of the Biochemistry Club. In addition, she is involved in cheerleading and works two jobs off campus.

Rocke is using her scholarship funds – and time management skills – to take full advantage of all the University has to offer.

She is the student speaker for JU’s Seventh Annual Scholarship Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Davis College of Business. About 70 student scholars will join others in the JU community to show their appreciation to nearly 90 donors expected at the event.

Also speaking will be JU alums Marty and Cindy Chomiak, ASPIRE Scholarship donors. The University Singers under the direction of Dr. Tim Snyder will perform as well.

Attending Jacksonville University as a chemistry major with a concentration in biochemistry and a minor in psychology has also helped Rocke in reaching her next academic goal of attending medical school, she said. She credits JU’s support system and faculty for giving her the confidence she did not know she had. That boost led to her becoming a leader in the classroom and in her many organizations.

In particular, Dr. Janet Haavisto, director of the Honors program and a professor of English, and Dr. Karen Jackson, professor of biology and marine science, encouraged her to try new things and set higher goals. Because her family is in Rhode Island, having two adult figures in her life to count on is important to her.

“Dr. Haavisto and Dr. Jackson have been an integral part in everything I have achieved here at Jacksonville University,” Rocke said.

For more on JU University Advancement and how to give, visit http://www.ju.edu/supportju.