University Of Arkansas Celebrates Student Accomplishments

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - As the new 2000-2001 academic year quickly approaches, the University of Arkansas celebrates its student achievements of 1999-2000.

More than 25 students staked claim on some of the nation's most prestigious scholarships and awards, competing nationally with some of the most elite higher education institutions in the United States.

According to Suzanne McCray, director of Office of Post-Graduate Fellowships, the last two years have been very good for University of Arkansas students in scholarship competitions, including three Barry Goldwater Scholars and one honorable mention last year.

"Last year was another great year for our students and for our university. Even applicants who did not win scholarships contributed to the reputation of the university," McCray said. "One of our students, a Rhodes Finalist, so impressed the editor of the Washington Post, that when he ran a story on prestigious undergraduate scholarships, he had the UA's Sturgis Fellowship included in the Washington Post article."

Last year's recipients follow the best year in UA history in 1998-1999 when the UA's success competed with the likes of Columbia, Radcliff, Harvard and Duke.

UA Chancellor John A. White said the 1999-2000 year produced outstanding student achievements that were comparable with many accomplished universities in the country for a second consecutive year.

"Once again, our university competed successfully with the best universities nationwide. This outstanding achievement not only is the result of the dedicated work of our students but also symbolizes the strength of our faculty," White said. "Last summer, the Harry S. Truman Foundation and Marshall Scholarship Aid Commission conducted faculty training from universities across the country on our campus. Their coming to Arkansas is indicative of the national reputation our university has earned in this arena."

McCray said additional highlights from this year include one student selected as a Morris Udall Scholar and one selected as an honorable mention. Two students also received recognition by the USA Today All-College Academic Team, and McCray said many other students won a variety of other grants and scholarships, including National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates, National Institute of Health grants, and Science Information Liaison Office Undergraduate Research Fellowships.

Not all students could take home a scholarship or award, but McCray said the level of competition on campus was tougher than the national competition. Ten students applied for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and seven were competitive.

The scholarship and award recipients are as follows -

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Suzanne McCray, director of the Office of Post-Graduate Fellowships, (479) 575-2509, smccray@comp.uark.edu

Jay Nickel, assistant manager of media relations, (479) 575-7943, jnickel@comp.uark.edu