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July 10, 2002
2002 UNM REGENTS’ SCHOLARS SELECTED
Fourteen incoming students have been selected as recipients of the University
of New Mexico Regents’ Scholar Program, the most prestigious of all
scholarships awarded at UNM.
The recipients are Michael Anderson, Aaron Brooks, Meaghan Danielson,
Daniel Darnell, Julia Dexter, Travis Gallegos, Matthew Hoffman, Tiffany
Lin, Paul Martin, Shannon O’Keefe, Ambrosia Ortiz, Lauren Rasmussen,
Benjamin Riggs and Whitny Schluter.
Anderson, a graduate of La Cueva High School, is the son of Ron and Marsha
Anderson. Anderson plans to major in electrical engineering. While in
high school he was active in the Air Force Research Lab’s SPACE (Students
Planning and Conducting Engineering) Symposium and the American Math Competition.
He was an active member of the Pathfinder Club, a worldwide church youth
group similar to scouts. He is an intern at Sandia National Laboratories
in the Robotics Engineering Department.
Brooks, a graduate of Rio Rancho High School, is the son Alan Brooks and
Geri Beel. Brooks plans to major in biochemistry and philosophy. While
in high school he participated in student government, National Honor Society,
Science Olympiad, Key Club, drama, football and track. He has volunteered
at the Colorado Christian Home, helped with the Special Olympics and tutors
students at Eagle Ranch Elementary.
Danielson, a graduate of Albuquerque Academy, is the daughter of Chuck
and Lee Danielson. She plans to major in biology. While in high school
she received eight letters of commendation from different subjects from
the beginning of ninth grade. During her junior year she received awards
from the Alliance Française USA, New Mexico State University Top
Scholar Award, recognition from the Society of Women Engineers for being
outstanding science and math.
Darnell, a graduate of Pierda Vista School, is the son of Dan and Beth
Darnell. He plans to major in political science and mathematics. While
in high school Darnell was the editor in chief of the school paper. He
was president of the National Honor Society and Knowledge Bowl Coordinator
for two bowls. He participated in the National History Day Competition,
science fair, basketball and track.
Dexter, a graduate of Highland High School, is the daughter of John and
Sandra Dexter. Dexter plans to major in English. While in high school
she was active in student senate, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor
Society, Key Club and soccer, varsity tennis and Irish Society. She has
volunteered at the Storehouse, and has tutored underprivileged and homeless
children for Albuquerque Public School’s Title 1 Homeless Project.
Gallegos, a graduate of Manzano High School, is the son of Jan Bassarear.
He plans to major in philosophy. He is a National Distributor’s Scholar,
National Merit Semifinalist, National Hispanic Scholar Semifinalist, Three
Academic Letters and was on the National Honor Roll. He was on the Policy
Debate Team, Future Problem Solving and Academic Decathlon. He teaches
guitar to six students and tutors kids.
Hoffman, a graduate of St. Pius X High School, is the son of Jim and
Teresa Hoffman. He plans to major in engineering. As an honor student
in high school, he received an academic letter and pin and was a national
merit semifinalist. He was in chorus and church choir. He is employed
at Wildlife West in Edgewood in general construction and maintenance.
Lin, a graduate of Highland High School, is the daughter of Charles and
Synthia Lin. Lin plans to major in pharmacy and mathematics. While in
high school she was active in the National Honor Society, MESA and the
Spanish Honor Society. She has studied martial arts since she was five
with her father at the Chinese Culture Center. She also helps teach young
students martial arts.
Martin, a graduate of Del Norte High School, is the son of Kalvin and
Angela Martin. He plans to major in physics and mathematics. He was a
National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, the Optimist Club teenager of
the year nominee from Del Norte, a West Point Leadership Award recipient
and he received the Colorado School of Mines Medal of Achievement in math
and science.
O’Keefe, a graduate of La Cueva High School, is the daughter of Cherie
and Shawn O’Keefe. She plans to major in behavioral biology, theater
or music. While in high school, she received an academic letter and two
stars and was active in the National Honor Society, band and Thespians.
She has volunteered as a heart medicine intern and psychological secretary
at the Veteran’s Hospital and has tutored children.
Ortiz, a graduate of Mayfield High School in Las Cruces, is the daughter
of Nubia and Franscico M. Ortiz. She plans to major in fine arts/music.
She is a National Merit Finalist, National Hispanic Scholar and Presidential
Scholar Semifinalist. She was active with student council, German Club,
Nation German Honor Society. She was highly active with the German program,
a program completed by very few students. She received several certificates
of merit for government, history, biology and physics. She received several
awards in orchestra including honors recipient of the southwest district
Solo and Ensemble honors for two years. She has received a music scholarship
from UNM to play viola next year.
Rasmussen, a graduate of Albuquerque High School, is the daughter of Keith
and Lynne Page Rasmussen. She plans to major in biology. In high school
Rasmussen was active in the National Honor Society, started a writing
and photography club, organized and lead a bible talk and was active in
track and cross country. She is presently being mentored by an orthopedic
surgeon at UNM Hospital.
Riggs, a graduate of Highland High School, is the son of Timothy and
Cynthia Riggs. He plans to major in biology. In high school he was active
in the Academic Decathlon, MESA, National Honor Society, Speech and Debate
and Thespian Society. He participated in drama, orchestra and was on the
varsity swim team. He volunteers for Habitat for Humanity where he helps
build homes for those in need.
Schluter, a graduate of La Cueva High School, is the daughter of Mark
and Mary Schluter. She plans to major in biology and biochemistry. She
was a member of the speech and debate team, Model United Nations and an
active member of La Cueva drama department. She has volunteered at Cameron
University in Lawton, Okla. where she taught policy debate to intermediate
division students. In addition, she serves as a volunteer debate coach
at La Cueva.
The Regents’ Scholars Program was established in the 1989 and the
first class was selected in 1991. The program is designed to attract the
brightest and most talented students from the state and nation to UNM.
The Regents’ Scholarship is a full-ride academic scholarship, which
includes tuition, books and fees, room and board, and is renewable for
eight semesters provided the student meets specific renewal requirements.
The scholarship itself is worth more than $8,000 per year.
Regents’ Scholars are typically involved in innovative and exciting
programs and opportunities. Individualized mentorship by UNM’s outstanding
faculty is provided, and the students are also admitted to the UNM General
Honors Program where they receive specialized advisement and course registration
privileges.
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