Deljohy Meralus receives scholarship from Council of Independent Colleges/UPS Foundation

For Deljohy Meralus ’25, the scholarship from the Council of Independent Colleges/UPS Foundation is more than a tidy sum to help cover college expenses; it is a “breath of fresh air.” In the thick of a tough semester transitioning from health sciences to neuroscience, the Greenville native admits things can get a bit discouraging and overwhelming. “The award is a subtle reminder that my hard work doesn’t go unseen,” she said.

Meralus is just one recipient of more than 20 $3,200 scholarships awarded across the state and made possible through a partnership between the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment.

When she’s not hitting the books, she’s hitting the gym. Besides working out at the PAC, Meralus loves to read, hang out at Furman Lake, and for audiences consisting of close friends in the dorm, she’ll sing tunes to karaoke, one of her “hidden talents,” she reveals. Her favorite lately is “My Mind” by Yebba.

Born to Haitian parents, Meralus attended Greenville Senior High School, graduating early. She spent her freshman year off campus, making 2022-2023 the first year she has experienced residential college life. “I’ve made a lot of friends for sure,” she said.

She has forged relationships with faculty, too.

“Dr. Teresa Cosby (Department of Politics and International Affairs) has been with me since the beginning, helping me figure out what my passion really is and what I want to do,” she said. “Dr. Kaniqua Robinson (Department of Anthropology) has been welcoming and understanding from the minute I met her. She’s always smiling and speaking life into you or any of her students.”

With friends, faculty and family in her corner, things are going well for Meralus, who eventually sees herself attending med school to become a neurosurgeon. “Furman is a great place, it’s a great community, and I’m excited about this college journey,” she said.