Elaina Blando of Mission, Kansas, and Denis Rugira of Rwanda were awarded the Associated Student Government Presidents' Council Scholarship for the 2013-14 academic year. The ASG Presidents' Council Scholarship was established in 2008 to recognize outstanding University of Arkansas students who embody our "students first" philosophy.

Rugira is a senior in the College of Engineering majoring in computer engineering. In addition to maintaining a 3.0 grade point average and working part-time in the office of student activities, he is very involved in campus life. He has served as volunteer coordinator for the International Students and Scholars Office, and served as president of the African Student Organization.

As a core member of the International Culture Team, he had the opportunity to implement a cultural immersion program in which the Rwandan ambassador to the United States was in attendance. When asked, what his campus and community involvement has been during his time at the U of A, Rugira wrote, "Since enrolling at the University of Arkansas, I have endeavored to not just grow academically, but also to develop and enhance important life skills."

Blando is a junior within the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences majoring in psychology and Spanish. Elaina has maintained a 3.5 grade point average while serving as president of Panhellenic Council, serving on the Dean of Student's Leadership Advisory Council, and as an active member in her sorority, Chi Omega.

Blando wrote about her community involvement, "The U of A is blessed by all of the unique ways to get involved on campus and through Fayetteville as a whole. … The determination I have put into my academics, leadership, and service have all been in an effort to create opportunities to succeed in the future."  

"I congratulate Denis and Elaina on receiving the ASG Presidents' Council Scholarship" said Bo Renner, current ASG president. "These two individuals have exhibited an incredible amount of dedication to not only their own schoolwork but our University of Arkansas community as well. Denis and Elaina are the epitome of the Arkansas student with their leadership, involvement, and ambition to make our campus the best it can be. I look forward to seeing these fellow students move forward as they continue their contribution to the betterment of our university."

Students can apply for the ASG Presidents' Council Scholarship through the office of student activities. The scholarship is currently funded through annual contributions from former ASG presidents who participate in the application review process each year.

In order to provide permanent scholarship support for generations to come, the Division of Student Affairs and ASG are working collaboratively in an effort to endow the scholarship. If you are interested in learning more about the ASG Presidents Council Scholarship, please contact ASG President Renner at asgpres@uark.edu or Erin Hogue, student affairs director of development, at ethogue@uark.edu.