TACOMA, Wash. – The University of Puget Sound is proud to announce incoming students Bryce Kirk of Sedona, Arizona, and Esther Mosaku of Abule-Egbe, Nigeria, as the two newest recipients of the prestigious Matelich Scholarship for the Class of 2028.
The Matelich Scholarship, funded by George E. Matelich ’78 and Susan E. Matelich, is awarded to exceptional students who embody the university's commitment to academic excellence, inspirational leadership, and community engagement. Among our most prestigious scholarships, it covers tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years at Puget Sound.
Kirk and Mosaku are part of a cohort of 26 Matelich Scholars named since the program began awarding scholarships in 2012.
Bryce Kirk ’28 (He/Him) | Sedona, AZ
Bryce Kirk ’28 is a dedicated student who graduated fifth in his class. He is also a National Honor Society member and an AP Scholar with honors. Despite undertaking advanced courses, Kirk found time to volunteer with the Sedona Humane Society, middle school special education dances, and local litter cleanups.
Kirk is also an avid swimmer who plans to join the Logger swim team, with the butterfly as his main event. Balancing academics, athletics, and community service, he exemplifies what it means to be a Logger. At Puget Sound, Kirk plans to major in the Business Leadership Program (BLP) while continuing his swimming career and giving back to the community.
Esther Mosaku ’28 (She/Her) | Abule-Egba, Nigeria
Esther Mosaku ’28 is an international student from Nigeria and a first-generation college student. She is an academic standout who graduated first in her class. Mosaku’s academic achievements include being a finalist in the Education USA Educational Program Funds competition, a Technovation Girls Africa Senior Division Regional Winner, and a Top 10 finisher in a national science fair competition. She was also recognized as the Mathematics Intellect of the Year.
Mosaku is a highly motivated and curious student who took a gap year before applying to college. During her gap year, she broadened her knowledge by reading extensively, learning to code, and studying German. Her hard work paid off as she is now conversationally fluent in German.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Mosaku is passionate about giving back to her community. She hopes to get involved in community service, debate, the Black Student Union, and study abroad opportunities at Puget Sound.
About the Matelich Scholars Program
The Matelich Scholars Program, established in 2010, is designed to provide future generations of students with the opportunity to pursue life-changing education at Puget Sound. Both George E. Matelich ’78 and Susan E. Matelich were the first members of their families to graduate from a four-year college. George is a senior advisory partner of Kelso & Company, chair of the Board of American Prairie, a past member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council, and a trustee emeritus at University of Puget Sound. Susan currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of American Prairie and is secretary of the Board of the New York Botanical Garden Board of Trustees. Two Matelich Scholars are selected each year from the incoming first-year class.
For information about the Matelich Scholars Program eligibility, please contact the Office of Admission at 253.879.3211 or visit pugetsound.edu.
