Seton Hill University surprised Natalie Spanner with a full scholarship for four years through the University’s Division of Visual and Performing Arts on Monday, March 8. Spanner, of Bethel Park, Pa., is the daughter of Marty and Paula Spanner. She plans to major in theatre business and theatre performance at Seton Hill.

In 2007, Seton Hill University created the Seton Scholars Program to recognize outstanding academic achievement by incoming freshmen in the traditional undergraduate program at Seton Hill. Seton Scholars receive full tuition scholarships that are renewable for four years of study at Seton Hill and are valued at more than $100,000 each. Scholarships are awarded annually by each of the University’s academic divisions: Humanities, Visual and Performing Arts, Natural and Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. For the 2010-2011 academic year, Seton Hill will award eight full-tuition scholarships, two from each academic division.

Students selected as a Seton Scholar in Seton Hill’s Division of Visual and Performing Arts must meet the following criteria: 1200 or higher combined SAT score, high school grade point average of 3.5 or higher, outstanding accomplishment and potential in the arts as evidenced by exemplary audition or portfolio review, record of participation and activity in the arts, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher or other arts professional. Consideration will also be given for advanced or Advanced Placement coursework and a record of leadership and community service. Majors in this division include arts administration, art education, art history, art therapy, fine art studio (2D or 3D), graphic design, music, music education, music performance, music theatre, music therapy, sacred music, studio art, theatre arts, theatre business, theatre design and technology, and theatre performance.