Student
scholars happy with Gordon
By Michael
Padilla
Diane Rawls,
Regents Scholars coordinator, considers President William
C. Gordon an omni-president. His presence is there even when
hes not, she says.
Having
a president who is fully aware of each Regents Scholars
achievements strengthens relationships.Dr. Gordon has
a special way of relating to each Regents Scholar,
Rawls says. Dr. Gordon recognizes what their contributions
are, is open to their presence and supports their endeavors.
Regents
Scholar Scott Hudson says he has always been impressed with
Gordon.
The
thing that comes to mind first when I think of my dealings with
President Gordon is that he always remembers my name,
Hudson says. He is always friendly and willing to listen,
speaking to you like a friend and acquaintance.
Gordon
stayed connected with the program by hosting the annual Regents
Scholars Presidential Dinner and inviting the scholars to the
Hanging of the Greens and a graduation dinner.
At
least to me, he does not just simply sweep the Regents
Scholars under the rug, Hudson says. When I speak
with him he seems to be genuinely interested and concerned about
the program, and asks questions about the program and the University.
I am happy with his support.
Currently
there are 75 scholars. Fourteen new scholars enter UNM in Fall
2002 as freshmen. In 2000-01, the average GPA among all scholars
was 3.84 and 32 students had GPAs of 3.9 or higher including
22 with a 4.0 or higher.
To become
a Regents Scholar, students undergo a rigorous, competitive
application process during their senior year of high school.
Each applicant submits a written statement of goals, show evidence
of leadership and community service, has outstanding academic
records and supplies at least three letters of recommendation.
They are screened and interviewed by the UNM Scholarship Office.
Since each applicant is top in his or her class the interview
is the deciding factor when selecting scholars.
Rawls, who completed her ninth year as coordinator of the program,
says the scholars participate in a variety of activities including
a ropes course. The students are also admitted to the UNM University
Honors Program where they receive specialized advisement and
course registration privileges.
The program,
established in 1989, provides tuition, books and fees, room
and board, and is renewable for eight semesters as long as requirements
are met.