The Puksta Scholars Program has added three more University of Colorado at Boulder students to its group of young civic leaders.
Joshua Lathan and Stefan Awad, both juniors, and freshman Alyssa Rezendes were chosen for their commitment to civic engagement, socially responsible citizenship, leadership and encouragement of positive social change, said Peter Simons, the Puksta Scholars Program coordinator.
The three students join 15 others receiving $4,500 scholarships in the Puksta program, which began at CU-Boulder last year with funding from the Puksta Foundation and the CU-Boulder Parent Fund.
"During this first year, the scholars have amazed us with their passion, courage, conviction and competence in pursuing civic engagement," Simons said.
Puksta scholars are expected to undertake a significant civic project that addresses defined community needs and demonstrates leadership and initiative. Active participation in public service and contribution to the public good is expected.
Last year's scholar projects included mentoring groups for Muslim High School students and at-risk youth, a CU inter-religious dialogue, a Colorado Asian Student Education Network Conference, sexual health peer education and English language education for Mexican and Latino immigrants.
A team of seven CU-Boulder staff and faculty members serve as scholar advisers, and events and activities are provided to support the scholars. Last year students met with Ron Secrist, former Boulder city manager and director of the Boulder Community Hospital Foundation, David Skaggs, former congressman for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District and executive director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and Michael Lomax, president of Dillard University.
"Events during 2003-04 will be similar to the previous year, though the presentations and dialogue will expand to seminars and there will be a joint CU - University of Denver - Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado trail project on Sept. 13," Simons said. Another new feature for this year is a scholar-to-scholar mentor program that will be implemented to provide additional support for new scholars.
The Puksta Scholars program is funded by the Puksta Educational Foundation of Denver, established by the late Harry and Eva Puksta. CU-Boulder is one of three Colorado universities to benefit from the scholarship fund, along with Colorado State University and the University of Denver.
Puksta Foundation President John A. Mulstay said the organization's scholarship program is helping the CU-Boulder campus stay in touch with the community.
"Our hope is that the impact that we have on our Puksta scholars will be felt even greater in their communities through the commitment to public service that all of our students have," Mulstay said. "As we enter our second year, we couldn't be happier with the way this program is evolving on the CU-Boulder campus."