DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University students Ryan Pappolla and Kiyomi Muraki are worlds apart in many ways.

Muraki, the mother of two grown children, moved to the U.S. from Japan more than 15 years ago; Pappolla is a 22-year-old Norwalk native, and the first in his family to earn a college degree. What they share is that both were selected as recipients of the President-to-President scholarship.

Muraki is a recent graduate of Naugatuck Valley Community College and Pappolla graduated from Norwalk Community College. Since 2003, Western and NVCC have co-sponsored the scholarship; this is the first year that Norwalk Community College has presented the scholarship. The annual grant pays full tuition costs for an exemplary associate degree graduate to complete the final two years of studies and earn a bachelor’s degree at Western.

Muraki, who holds an associate degree in accounting, said she knows that WCSU has a good business program and is eager to learn even more about accounting. “Every day is a challenge and I learn new things. It makes me excited because all of what you learn goes together,” said the Manchester resident. “I was praying that I would get the scholarship. I feel like I’m an ordinary person. Maybe they saw my appreciation.”

Pappolla, who majored in media studies at NCC, is the first in his family to earn a college degree. Hoping to become a screenwriter, Pappolla is enrolled in the creative writing program at Western. “For me, screenwriting is the way I enjoy telling a story most. It gives me a lot of freedom as a writer,” Pappolla said.

He added that he is excited about the opportunity that Western and NCC have given him to work toward his professional goals.

“There is a wide variety of writing classes that will help me flesh out my abilities as a creative writer,” he said.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 9203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.