EUGENE–Six University of Oregon freshmen from central and eastern Oregon are among 55 new recipients of Presidential Scholarships for the 2000-2001 academic year.

The scholarships, which cover full tuition costs of each recipient, totaled $4,269 this year and were awarded to students 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 Scholarship Program began 15 years ago as a way of encouraging 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.

Frohnmayer says the parents and families of the students feel a real sense of pride and accomplishment.

"That’s because it’s based on merit," he says.

According to 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 says.

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

The money for UO Presidential Scholarships is raised privately through the university’s Development Office and managed by the University of Oregon Foundation, an independent nonprofit corporation organized to receive and administer gifts to 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 2000-2001 UO Presidential Scholarships are:

BEND–William Hanlon, a freshman physics major, P.O. Box 624; and Shaun Londahl, a freshman computer and information science major, 2503 N.W. Coe Court.

HERMISTON–Teresa Worstell, a freshman biology major, 855 E. Tamarack Ave.

HOOD RIVER–Aaron Jaques, a freshman computer and information science major,
1003 Montello Ave.

KLAMATH FALLS– John Ward, a freshman music major, 3848 Collier Lane.

THE DALLES–Eric Gross, a freshman physics major, 2700 W. 7th St., Apt. 1.

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