The University of Puget Sound is proud to announce Ansel Chan of Oakland, California, and Claire Meyer of Grapevine, Texas, as the recipients of the Lillis Scholarship, one of the university’s most distinguished honors for incoming students in the class of 2029.
The Lillis Scholarship, generously funded by Gwendolyn H. Lillis P’05 and Charles M. Lillis P’05 through The Lillis Foundation, recognizes academic excellence, intellectual independence, and a commitment to pursuing excellence throughout a student's educational journey. This scholarship covers tuition, fees, and room and board for up to four years at Puget Sound.
Ansel Chan ’29 (He/Him) | Oakland, California
Ansel Chan ’29 is a graduate of Oakland Technical High School, where he achieved a 3.95 GPA. Chan’s interests are focused on biochemistry and environmental justice, and he is looking forward to conducting hands-on research.
Chan has already made significant contributions to scientific research as an environmental justice intern with the East Bay Academy for Young Scientists, a program affiliated with UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science. He is also a published researcher with the American Geophysical Union. Beyond the lab, Chan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity as the founder and president of the Tea Club at Oakland Tech. Chan is also a potter, musician, tennis player, and is fluent in Russian and Mandarin.
Claire Meyer ’29 (She/Her) | Grapevine, Texas
Claire Meyer ’29 graduated from Grapevine Senior High School as a top student with a 4.0 GPA and was a National Merit finalist. She joins the Puget Sound Honors Program, a selective initiative that provides students with an enriched curriculum.
Meyer has demonstrated impressive leadership and a well-rounded character throughout high school. She served as the president of the National Art Honor Society and was an active leader in her youth group. Her academic interests are diverse, spanning English and psychology, and she is eager to explore the natural world with Puget Sound Outdoors. As the daughter of two physicians, Meyer brings a unique perspective and a deep-seated passion for learning and service to the Puget Sound community.
About the Lillis Scholars Program
The Lillis Scholars Program, established in 2007, is a testament to the generosity of Gwendolyn and the late Charles Lillis, who value academic excellence and intellectual independence. Gwen Lillis is chair of The Lillis Foundation and a trustee of Puget Sound, while Charles Lillis was a former chair and chief executive of MediaOne Group and a founding partner of LoneTree Capital Management. The Lillises are the parents of Puget Sound alumna Jessica Baker Isaacs ’05. Each year, two Lillis Scholars are selected from the incoming first-year class. For information about eligibility for the Lillis Scholars Program, please contact the Office of Admission at 253.879.3211 or visit pugetsound.edu.
