Six first-year medical students at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine were recently named scholarship recipients.

The scholarships were from the from the Corewell Health Foundation and the Duane Mezwa, M.D., Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Scholarship.

Scholarships from the Corewell Health Foundation were awarded to Aryan Arora, Nooraldin Kamalaldin, Hillary Le, and Sarah Kadado.

Ahmad Abu-Mahfouz and Yzen Al-Marrawi received the Mezwa scholarship.

“This tells the students that there are people out there who have more life experiences than them and believes in (the students),” said Claus Weimann, director, Philanthropy, OUWB.

“That’s why I personally love the donor-funded scholarships — the donors believe in our students so much, in fact, that they give out of the generosity of their hearts and that is a very beautiful story,” he added.

According to OUWB Financial Services, a total of $350,000 was awarded for the 2024-25 school year, and represents a 6% increase from a year-ago at this time. Of the total amount awarded for the year, $110,000 went to the recent M1 recipients.

Money for the donor-supported scholarships comes through direct contributions to OUWB or via the Corewell Health Foundation.

A scholarship committee consisting of faculty, clinical faculty, and staff makes the final decision on whom will be awarded. Members of the scholarship committee are not identified publicly.

Scholarships awarded to M2s, M3s, and M4s were announced in January. M1s (Class of 2028) applied during the winter semester.

“I was incredibly surprised when I found out that I was one of the few students receiving this scholarship,” said Kamalaldin. “I immediately felt a sense of relief and achievement, knowing that all my hard work and dedication to my education and community were being appreciated and rewarded.”

Le said she was “pleasantly surprised” to learn she had been awarded a scholarship.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the committee, and I am greatly appreciative of their kind generosity and support in my academics,” she said. “I would also like to congratulate everyone else who got awarded as I know they are hard-working and passionate about their own medical journey and involvements.”

Kadado said she was “thrilled and incredibly grateful.”

“It means a lot to know that the donors believe in me and what I’m working toward,” she said. “It encourages me to continue looking for opportunities to do more.”

”This scholarship takes a huge financial weight off my shoulders and allows me to really focus on what matters…learning, contributing to research, and serving my community,” she added.

Creation of the Mezwa scholarship was announced at OUWB’s 2023 Commencement, not long before Mezwa retired as the school’s second dean.

At the time, Mezwa called it “wonderful to know that this legacy will help create the OUWB physician of the future. I am honored to be part of this effort.”

Al-Marrawi said he was “over the moon” to learn he was one of the first two recipients of the Mezwa scholarship.

“Medical school is demanding in many ways, and this recognition affirms the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my journey,” he said. “Receiving this scholarship from OUWB…was extremely motivating, it encourages me to continue aiming high and reminds me that my efforts are seen, valued, and worth investing in."

He also had a special message for Mezwa.

"Thank you, Dean Mezwa, for your belief in students like me,” said Al-Marrawi.

“Your support through this scholarship not only helps us financially, it inspires us to give our best, uphold OUWB’s values, and carry forward a spirit of compassion and excellence in medicine,” he added. “I’m truly honored and grateful to be named a Mezwa Scholar."

Abu-Mahfouz shared similar sentiments and called it "an incredible honor."

“Dean Mezwa is a respected leader in medicine, and to be selected for a scholarship in his name is both humbling and deeply meaningful," he said. "This recognition not only helps alleviate the financial challenges of medical school, but also reaffirms my commitment to compassionate, high quality care for my community and future patients."

For more information, contact Andrew Dietderich, senior marketing specialist, OUWB, at [email protected].

To request an interview, visit the OUWB Communications & Marketing webpage.

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