University of Colorado at Boulder students have won Truman, Udall, Goldwater and National Security Education Program scholarships this spring, marking the first time a Colorado university has been home to winners of all four of the highly competitive national scholarships at once.
"These prestigious scholarships are very difficult to win," said CU-Boulder special scholarships adviser Lori Goodman. "While CU and other colleges in the state have had previous winners in these programs, this is the first time any Colorado school has had simultaneous winners in all four programs."
Goodman said CU-Boulder's winning scholars are studying math, science, environmental studies, accounting and journalism. "It's evidence that CU-Boulder has a broad spectrum of excellent programs that can help students excel on a national level," she said.
Three CU-Boulder students won $20,000 National Security Education Program scholarships, funded by a federal program designed to encourage undergraduate study in areas of the world critical to national security. The scholars then commit to seek work in the federal government after their studies.
Junior accounting major Tyffanie Ammeter will study in Chile, senior economics and political science double-major Noah Johnson will study in China, and senior economics and journalism double-major Ali Pasha will study in Jordan.
"It's interesting how these students are reaching beyond our borders to solve problems," Goodman said.
Junior political science and Chinese major Michele Buckley, who is currently finishing an NSEP scholarship in China, was named a Truman Scholar this spring. The $30,000 scholarship for students interested in public service careers is given to 75 winners nationwide to fund graduate study. Truman Scholars also are able to access a variety of internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. Buckley hopes to work on international trade and labor issues.
Junior environmental studies major Darren Legge was one of only 80 students nationwide to win a $5,000 Udall Scholarship for students committed to careers in the environment. Legge, a Cherry Creek High School graduate, plans to join the Peace Corps after graduating from CU-Boulder and wants to work on renewable energy and sustainable development around the world. He plans to use his scholarship to fund study in Thailand next fall.
Two CU-Boulder students were named Goldwater Scholars this spring for excellence in math, science and engineering. Zachary Crook and Bradley Klingenberg will receive up to $7,500 for educational expenses next year. Brian Lehigh and Derek K. Zachman received honorable mention, as well.
"It is terrific that all four of our nominees were recognized by the Goldwater selection committee, two as scholars and two as honorable mention," said Anne Dougherty of the CU-Boulder Department of Applied Mathematics. "This demonstrates the tremendous depth and breadth of the science, engineering and mathematical sciences programs at CU-Boulder."
The two winners are among 323 members of the 2006 class of Goldwater Scholars, selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,081 mathematics, science and engineering students nominated by college faculties nationwide.
The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established in 1986 in honor of Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, who served as a soldier and statesman for 56 years. The program was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields.
Goldwater Scholars have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs. Recent Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 63 Rhodes Scholarships, 80 Marshall Awards - including eight of the 40 awarded in the United States in 2006 -- and numerous other distinguished fellowships.
For more information on CU-Boulder top scholarships, visit . For more information on the NSEP, Truman, Udall and Goldwater scholarship programs, visit , , or .