2 WKU Students Receive Goldwater Scholarships

March 26, 2007

Bowling Green, Ky. -Two Western Kentucky University students have received prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships.

Mark Sandefur, an Honor biology/chemistry double major from Calhoun, and Joseph Chavarria-Smith, an Honors recombinant gene technology/chemistry double major from Elkton, are two of 317 students chosen nationally for the 2007-08 scholarships. They are among five Kentucky residents (three of which attend in-state schools) who received the awards.

Reagan Gilley, an Honors biology/chemistry double major from Pineville, was selected for an honorable mention award and will be eligible to reapply next year.

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,110 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. The scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

Goldwater Scholars have impressive academic qualifications that have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs. Recent Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 69 Rhodes Scholarships, 86 Marshall Awards and numerous other distinguished fellowships.

In its 19-year history, the program has awarded 5,202 scholarships worth approximately $51 million. For more on the Goldwater Scholarships, visit http://www.act.org/goldwater/.
               
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For information, contact Kevin Williams at (270) 745-8899.