FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Eight 2005-06 incoming freshman students have been awarded the prestigious Bodenhamer Fellowships at the University of Arkansas. Since being established seven years ago, 58 students have earned the distinction of being Bodenhamer Fellows. 

“Since the very first class in 1998, the Bodenhamer Fellows have made their mark on the University of Arkansas. Thanks to the vision and generosity of Dr. Lee Bodenhamer, 58 exceptional students have chosen to attend the University,” Chancellor John A. White said. “His continued financial support of the fellowships has allowed us to recruit students who would not otherwise have chosen to come. On top of that, he has served as a mentor to the Bodenhamer Fellows. Through his direct involvement with them, they are made to feel very, very special--and they are!”

The Bodenhamer Foundation, acting through its trustee, Lee Bodenhamer (BSBA 1957, MBA 1961), established the highly competitive Bodenhamer Fellowships at the University of Arkansas in 1998. The Bodenhamer Foundation requests that the fellowships be awarded to students in the freshman class entering in the fall semester.
Bodenhamer Fellowships are worth up to $50,000 for four years of study or up to $62,500 for five years if the student is pursuing an accredited five-year degree program.

The fellowship covers tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and other academic expenses including study abroad, attendance at professional and educational conferences, research and computer costs.   

“The application process is intense,” said Gary Standridge, director of the Bodenhamer Fellowship program and special assistant to the chancellor. “We began the process with more than 400 applicants from across the country. The final selections were tough, but we knew that we could not go wrong with any of these talented students.”

In July, Bodenhamer will sponsor a five-day trip to Washington, D.C., for incoming fellows.  The students will tour the Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, the Library of Congress, the Holocaust Museum, as well as several other significant landmarks. UA political science faculty members Janine Parry and Bill Schreckhise will accompany the new fellows and serve as guides.

Below is a list of the 2005 Bodenhamer Fellows:

Whitney Gammill

Whitney Gammill of Maumelle graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in Little Rock and is a National Merit finalist. She participated in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program while at Mount Saint Mary’s. Gammill served as the editor of the school newspaper for two years. She enjoys her community service to Catherine’s House in Little Rock and hopes to continue similar activities while attending the U of A. Her academic interests include chemistry and journalism. She is the daughter of Rick P. and Mary D. Gammill of Maumelle.

Gregory Karber

Gregory Karber of Fort Smith graduated from Southside High School where he served as president of both the Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society and the Quill and Scroll National Journalism Honor Society. He is a National Merit finalist, and his academic interests include chemistry, mathematics, science, writing and journalism. Karber is the son of Greg and Sherri Karber of Fort Smith.

Rachel Lee

Rachel Lee of Gentry graduated from Siloam Springs High School and is a National Merit finalist. Rachel served as vice president of the National Honor Society and was a clarinet section leader in the school band and participated actively in community service efforts through Girl Scouts through her high school career. She is the daughter of Daniel and Cynthia Lee and plans to major in chemical engineering.

Shannon Sanders

Shannon Sanders graduated from Flippin High School and is the daughter of Shane and Mary Sanders. Sanders served as president of the National Honor Society and Drama Club and editor in chief of the yearbook. She has participated in many local community service projects. She plans to major in journalism. 

Cheryl Silveri

Cheryl Silveri graduated from Marion High School, and is a National Merit finalist. Silveri served as editor in chief for the school newspaper and captain of the quiz bowl team. She is interested in the health care field and in art but may also pursue a business degree. She is the daughter of Louis and Marivic Silveri.

Davis "Mac" McLarty Stephen

Davis “Mac” McLarty Stephen is a graduate of Fayetteville High School. He performed well in ambitious high school courses, including numerous advanced placement and honors courses. His academic interests include literature, English, history, and medicine. He is the son of Fred and Judy Stephen.

Blake Strode

Blake Strode of Bridgeton, Mo., graduated from Pattonville High School and is a National Merit finalist. He served as the tennis team captain, president of DECA and vice president of the international club. He plans to earn a business degree and attend law school. Strode will play tennis for the Razorbacks. He is the son of James and Angela Strode.

John F. "Jack" Willems

John F. “Jack” Willems of Searcy graduated from Subiaco Academy and is a National Merit finalist. Willems played the trumpet in the Subiaco Jazz Ensemble and was the starting tackle and team captain for the Subiaco varsity football team. He is the son of Michael and Catherine Willems and intends to pursue a degree in English.