West Virginia University student Josh Mali has been honored with the 2003 National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) Annual Merit Award. Mali, a junior biology major from Charleston and the son of Cyrus and Behnaz Mali, received the award in a ceremony held Nov. 2 at WVU .

Each year, the $1,000 Merit Award is presented to students who excel in scholarship, leadership and service. Mali competed against 1,500 students nationwide for the scholarship and was one of only 50 students to be selected to receive this prestigious award.

“NSCS provides the opportunity for students, like Joshua, to be recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments early in their college experience,”said Steve Loflin, NSCS executive director.”Not only has Joshua achieved an impeccable academic record, but he has also accomplished some incredible things. Joshua is an asset to his school and we are proud that he has chosen to be a member of the Society.”

At WVU , Mali is the founder and president of the Multi-Cultural Club and vice president of the Bahai Student Association. He is also a laboratory teaching assistant for the Department of Chemistry and a volunteer at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston.

In addition to being named a 2003 Eberly Arts and Sciences Scholar, Mali’s academic achievements include the 2003 Lloyd R. Gribble Award and National Dean’s List. After graduation, Mali plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in urology. He would like to attend medical school in West Virginia, Virginia or Maryland.