The Undergraduate Academy at the University of Colorado at Boulder welcomed 26 new members at a reception in Norlin Library Feb. 6.Ìý
The Undergraduate Academy is an intellectual community that includes Boettcher Scholars, Norlin Scholars and other academically motivated students.
The applications committee decided on finalists after reviewing personal essays, transcripts and application forms submitted by the candidates. Finalists then participated in interviews that included both discussions of cultural, political and philosophical issues and ideas for UA activities.
Academic excellence, campus and community activities, writing ability, collegiality, and other issues were assessed by the selection committee during the application process.
According to Mark W. Williams, associate professor of geography, and Jan Whitt, associate professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the new members are committed to excellence in the classroom, but they also are curious about the world around them and are involved in activities that benefit others.Ìý
As UA faculty co-directors, Whitt and Williams help to coordinate activities and discussion groups and serve as mentors for members of the organization.
"During a time when leadership, critical thinking and compassion are at such a premium, I take heart in the caliber of students who applied for admission to the Undergraduate Academy this year," said Whitt. "Mark and I look forward to working with these gifted and energetic students during their time at CU."
According to Michael Grant, associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education, the three main goals of the UA are to expand the education of top students outside the classroom, to build a sense of intellectual community among participants and to help prepare students for post-graduation opportunities.
Â鶹ÒùÔº receive special advising, meet with faculty for informal discussions and organize cultural, environmental and community service activities. Some undergraduates are accepted into the UA as Norlin Scholars or Boettcher Scholars, while others apply as sophomores or juniors.
The Undergraduate Academy currently is comprised of approximately 210 undergraduate students from all majors across the campus.
New members are Katie Aiken of Craig, Colo., a sophomore open option major; Sharon Bates of Grand Junction, Colo., a sophomore majoring in Spanish; Andrew Bonham of Highlands Ranch, Colo., a junior majoring in biochemistry and molecular, cellular and developmental biology; Keith Cackowsky of Boulder, a junior majoring in biochemistry, MCD biology and economics; Diane Christopher of Loveland, Colo., a junior majoring in biochemistry; Adrian Clark of Littleton, Colo., a senior majoring in economics, mathematics and philosophy; Zachary Colbert of Durango, Colo., a sophomore majoring in architecture; Carly Greer of Pueblo, Colo., a junior majoring in mechanical engineering; Michelle Grim of Beverly Hills, Mich., a sophomore majoring in kinesiology; Sara Hering of Pueblo, Colo., a junior majoring in political science and philosophy; Arian Lalezari of Boulder, a junior majoring in electrical engineering and applied math; Jamie Lovitt of Colorado Springs, a junior majoring in sociology; and Benjamin Lowry of Littleton, Colo., a junior majoring in geology with a minor in philosophy.
Others are Jennifer Marson of Boulder, a senior majoring in economics, environmental, population and organismic biology, and French; Kimberly Muhlhauser of Wilsonville, Ore., a sophomore majoring in psychology; Travis Nuckolls of Urbandale, Iowa, a junior majoring in Spanish and journalism with a minor in business; Ravi Patel of Littleton, Colo., a sophomore majoring in information systems, marketing and pre-law; Christopher Poyzer of Colorado Springs, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering and fine arts, studio arts; Jesse Richter-Foley of Columbia Falls, Mass., a junior majoring in geology and environmental studies; Lara Rogers of Providence, R.I., a sophomore majoring in English; Rodney Ruggles of Colorado Springs, a senior majoring in electrical and computer engineering; Sabrina Schmitz of Denver, a sophomore majoring in EPO biology and fine arts, studio arts; Michael Wallden of Aurora, Colo., a junior majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in business; Amy Weiner of Aurora, a sophomore majoring in sociology; David Winkler of Denver, a senior majoring in political science; and Christina Zigler of Longmont, a junior majoring in art-based social change.
For more information, call Whitt at (303) 492-0461 or Williams at (303) 492-8830. To access the UA Web site for additional information go to: .