10 Flinn Scholars will attend U of A in the fall

By Logan Burtch-Buus, University Communications

Today

A young man with short curly hair and glasses smiles confidently in a professional outdoor portrait. He wears a navy blue suit, a light blue dress shirt, and a patterned tie, standing against a natural desert background with green and brown foliage. — BASIS Phoenix senior Adam Bedeir is one of 10 2025 Flinn Scholars – some of the highest achieving high school seniors from across the state – who will attend the University of Arizona in the fall. The prestigious scholarship supports students enrolling in one of Arizona's three state universities.

If you spot a tennis racket leaning against a stack of anatomy flashcards around Paradise Valley, Arizona, chances are Adam Bedeir is somewhere nearby.

Bedeir, who will graduate from BASIS Phoenix next month, is one of 10 2025 Flinn Scholars – some of the highest achieving high school seniors from across the state – who will attend the University of Arizona in the fall. The prestigious scholarship supports students enrolling in one of Arizona's three state universities.

The 40th class of Flinn Scholars was announced Thursday by the Flinn Foundation. The Phoenix-based nonprofit is a grantmaking organization that also supports Arizona's bioscience, arts and culture sectors. The scholarship includes the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals and more – a value of more than $135,000. The award also funds at least two study abroad experiences, including a two-week group seminar following the first year of college.

Half of this year's 20 scholars will attend the U of A and enroll in the W.A. Franke Honors College.

A young man with short curly hair and glasses stands confidently in a bright, modern lobby. He wears a navy blue suit, a white dress shirt, and a patterned blue tie, smiling warmly with hands clasped in front of him. The background features large windows, indoor plants, and soft natural light creating a welcoming professional setting — Adam Bedeir

"Being named a Flinn Scholar is a really special feeling, but also a responsibility," Bedeir said. "The scholarship not only provides me with the resources to attend college, but I am joining a community that helps make Arizona special. Flinn Scholars take so much pride in their work – and it is truly exciting to give back to the state of Arizona."

This year's Flinn Scholars will study a variety of disciplines, including computer science, engineering, social sciences, law, business, education, visual and performing arts, data science and public policy, and biological and physical science.

Bedeir will study physiology and medical science in the College of Medicine – Tucson. He is also part of the college's prestigious Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education program, which allows a select number of undergraduate students to earn a medical degree in seven years.

John Pollard, Franke Dean of the W.A. Franke Honors College, said students like Bedeir represent some of the most promising young minds in Arizona.

"Franke Honors is thrilled to welcome our newest class of Flinn Scholars, and we are honored that these incredible students chose us for their undergraduate experience," Pollard said. "Their choice is a testament to the amazing undergraduate research opportunities, academic programming, and community within Franke Honors and the University of Arizona, and we are excited to support them, from their first year as Wildcats through graduation and beyond."

Erin Deely, director of strategic recruitment and outreach for the W.A. Franke Honors College and the university's Flinn Scholarship adviser, said the U of A appeals to prospective college students "because of the plethora of resources we offer."

"Here at the University of Arizona, we create an environment where all students can succeed and excel – and the W.A. Franke Honors College in particular is such an incredible environment for students," Deely said. "We have the infrastructure and support students often need to achieve the goals and high standards they set for themselves, while developing the collaborative connections they need. We also want to retain their incredible talent within the state of Arizona, because they are the next generation of leaders and changemakers."

Like other scholar groups in the Honors College, Flinn Scholars have access to mentorship and guidance from faculty and staff, including specific scholarship advisers like Deely. The college also helps students apply for research grants, internships and other extracurricular opportunities – and partners with organizations like the Flinn Foundation to connect students with other current and past Flinn Scholars.

A high achiever both in and out of the classroom, Bedeir said he was drawn to the U of A for its strong medical programs and sees Tucson as the perfect place to continue the kind of work he has already accomplished.

Bedeir's interest in physiology started with a passion for biology in high school and has since evolved into working as a medical assistant for a local vascular clinic. He also assists Project C.U.R.E, an organization that collects and distributes donated medical supplies and equipment to communities in need. Bedeir balances his schedule with regular tennis matches and reading, pastimes he said help him to stay grounded while navigating demanding coursework and clinical experiences.

"I want to apply the skills I learn in medicine to help those who need it most, and the College of Medicine has a lot of great programs for that," Bedeir said. "I want to do research for the sake of helping those who need it. I want to improve conditions and treatments and learn as much medicine as I can. I want to be as helpful as I can to those I serve."

The other 2025 Flinn Scholars who will attend the U of A are: