EUGENE–Two University of Oregon freshmen from central and eastern Oregon are among 56 new recipients of Presidential scholarships for the 1998-99 academic year. This year marks the first time in a number of years that the scholarship will cover the entire tuition of the recipient.

The students were awarded the scholarships for their academic achievement, leadership and participation in community and school activities.

"Being selected as a presidential scholar is a predictor and motivator in pursuing a life-long path of excellence," says UO President Dave Frohnmayer. "It is a recognition of achievement at an early age."

The Presidential Scholar Program began 14 years ago as a way to encourage Oregon’s best and brightest high school students to continue their education in the state. The grants are renewable for up to four years for students who maintain a minimum grade-point average and make satisfactory progress toward earning their degrees.

The UO president says the parents and families of the students feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment. "That’s because it’s based on merit," Frohnmayer said.

New and returning Presidential Scholarship recipients–and the donors who fund the program–were recognized at a Sept. 30 reception. Currently, 193 Presidential Scholars are attending the University of Oregon.

According to President Frohnmayer, based upon past performance, these students emerge in key leadership positions, not only in academics but also in student activities.

"It is a program that in some way touches everyone–the presidential scholars themselves, their fellow students, the faculty and staff and those whose generosity makes the program possible," the UO president said.

Each year, the scholarship winners are selected by the University Scholarship Committee from among Oregon’s top graduating high school seniors. Although an outstanding record counts for 50 percent of the scholarship selection score, community involvement and extracurricular activities, an essay and the career aspirations of the candidate also weigh heavily in the panel’s deliberations.

Money for UO Presidential Scholarships is raised privately through the University of Oregon Foundation, an independent nonprofit corporation organized to solicit and manage gifts for the university. More than 200 individuals, family donors, local businesses and corporations provide the funds needed to award the scholarships.

By city, the central and eastern Oregon recipients of 1998-99 UO Presidential Scholarships are:

BEND–Rebecca R. Wilson, a journalism pre-major, 63500 Gold Spur Way.

LA GRANDE–Kai J. Welch, an undeclared major, 203 Spring Ave.

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