Madison College student Ruiqi Zeng named top scholar in Wisconsin

Madison College student Ruiqi Zeng was awarded the 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar and a $2,250 scholarship.

Zeng is a biological and biomedical science student in the Madison College University Transfer program. She is set to graduate in May 2025 with plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a bachelor’s degree and eventually work in healthcare.  

Originally from China, Zeng is an international student who discovered her passion for medicine during high school. She became interested in the human body, disease processes, and surgeries through her anatomy and physiology classes. As she continues her studies and works as a nursing assistant, Zeng is preparing to become a physician assistant.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Zeng has held several leadership roles on campus, including serving on the Madison College District Board, Phi Theta Kappa, the Asian American Student Association, and the Future Healthcare Professional Club. She has also volunteered at local community centers and a blood donation center.

New Century Transfer Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. 

Nearly 2,100 students from more than 1,300 college campuses nationwide were nominated. Only one New Century Transfer Scholar is selected from each state.

“We congratulate Ruiqi on receiving this prestigious scholarship, and we are honored to partner with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and the AACC to recognize these outstanding achievements,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner. “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.”

Zeng will receive the award during Phi Theta Kappa President’s Breakfast on April 15 at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.  

For more information, please visit the New Century Transfer Scholar website.