Eight 2003-2004 Freshmen Students Have Been Awarded Prestigious Bodenhamer Fellowships At The University Of Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -The incoming freshman class for fall 2003 raised the Bodenhamer Fellows total at the U of A to 36 students. Included in this year's group are Megan Bright of Little Rock, Hannah De Berg of North Little Rock, Lance Luttrell of Fayetteville, Megan Matty of Mountain Home, Sara Mesko of Hot Springs, Caleb Stein of Little Rock, Andrew Westbrook of Little Rock, and Jamie Kern of Fort Smith.

"The Bodenhamer Fellows have shown themselves to be extraordinary in every way," UA Chancellor John A. White said. "They excel in the classroom, but they consistently demonstrate an ability to lead and they steadfastly dedicate time to serving the campus, the Fayetteville area, and their home communities. Clearly, this new group of Bodenhamer Fellows will live up to the standard set by their peers. They, too, will leave indelible marks on the University of Arkansas and make it a better place for future generations of students."

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, the purchase of books and supplies, and additional benefits of the student's choice, such as travel, study abroad and special equipment.

The fellowships are among the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the nation and were originally created to be awarded to four freshmen entering the U of A in the fall of each year. Now up to ten fellowships are awarded each year

The Bodenhamer Foundation, acting through its trustee, Lee Bodenhamer (BSBA 1957, MBA 1961), established the Bodenhamer Fellowships at the University of Arkansas. The Bodenhamer Foundation requests that the fellowships be awarded to students in the freshman class entering in the fall semester.

This August, Lee Bodenhamer treated Bodenhamer Fellows to a five-day trip to Washington, D.C. The students toured the Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress, as well as several other significant landmarks. The new Fellows will enjoy a similar trip again with political science faculty members Jannine Parry and Bill Schreckhise serving as their guides.

"His generosity has provided unique opportunities for exceptional young Arkansans" White said. "Without his support, it is likely most, if not all, of these students would have gone elsewhere to study. Thanks to him, they have had special research opportunities. They have enjoyed junior years abroad in the UK, in Japan, in Honduras, in Jordan, in France. They have been competitive at the national level, winning Marshall, Udall, Barry Goldwater and National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships. The importance of the Bodenhamer Fellowship for these students and for the university cannot be overestimated."

The Bodenhamer Fellowships encourage Arkansas' outstanding high school students to pursue a college education at the University of Arkansas. Gary Standridge, Assistant to the Chancellor and Director of the Bodenhamer Fellowship Program, reported that the fellowship is having a major impact in keeping stellar students in the state.

"This year was the most competitive we have seen," Standridge said. "All the students we interviewed were amazing. All were worthy of the fellowship. The word has gotten out that these fellowships will open doors equal to that of any ivy league schools. The only problem is now choosing among such students is nearly impossible."

The selection committees’ choices include:

Megan Elizabeth Bright

Little Rock, AR

She is interested in pursuing a degree in bioengineering or mathematics. At Mt. St. Mary’s Academy, Megan was active in volunteer programs, cheerleading, student government and honor societies including the National Honor Society and the National French Honor Society.

Hannah DeBerg

North Little Rock, AR

She is interested in physics, mathematics and philosophy. At North Little Rock High School West Campus, Hannah was active in debate, student congress, quiz bowl and theater. Her summer activities included the University of Kansas debate institute and the Arkansas Governor’s School.

Jamie Kern

Fort Smith, AR

She is interested in majoring in Engineering and minoring in Spanish and Middle Eastern Studies. At Southside High School, Jamie was active in the biology club, the Spanish National Honor Society, Leadership Explorer Post and quiz bowl. She was a member of her church youth group, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society and she volunteered at St.Edward Mercy Medical Center.

Lance Luttrell

Fayetteville, AR

He is interested in a degree in mathematics, Spanish or Engineering. At Fayetteville Senior High School, Lance participated in mathematics competitions, band and teen court. He was active in youth ministries and tutored students in Spanish and calculus.

Megan Matty

Mountain Home, AR

She is interested in physical therapy, kinesiology, international relations and study abroad. At Mountain Home High School, Megan was active in basketball, cross country, track and the German Club. She was a member of Interact, the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and the National Student Leadership Conference.

Sarah Mesko

Hot Springs, AR

She is interested in foreign languages, creative writing, global studies and psychology. At Lakeside High School, Sarah was active in music programs, band competitions and orchestra. She was a member of the National Honor Society, French club, and is a private lesson flute teacher in her spare time.

Caleb Karl Stein

Little Rock, AR

He is interested in mathematics, chemical engineering and pre-medicine. At Mills University Studies High School, Caleb was active in the Student Council, Beta Club, Orchestra, Science Club and Quiz Bowl. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and King’s Club. He is an Eagle Scout and active in youth choir.

Andrew Hudson Westbrook

Little Rock, AR

He is interested in physics and engineering. At Pulaski Academy, Andrew was active in baseball, basketball, the French club, and engineering club. He participated in mission trips, choir and was a member of the National Honor Society. He also plays acoustic guitar.

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