Every year the UNM Anderson School of Management awards fellowships and scholarships to deserving graduate and undergraduate students. For academic year 2008-2009 more than 160 awards, representing 10 percent of Anderson students, were made for a total of more than $500,000. This is one of the largest amounts ever distributed to Anderson students. Awards ranged from $2,000 to $15,000 per student.
Students had to apply for the available funds and there are many student success stories among the applicants.
Graduate student Matthew Schottmiller was awarded an academic merit scholarship funded by the Roy W. Bidwell endowment. Matthew will graduate in the spring of 2009 with an MBA with three concentrations: Finance, Marketing and International Management.
"It is great to be recognized for my academic excellence, for two years of hard work in the classroom," says Schottmiller. "This scholarship makes it possible for me to take five classes this semester and finish my MBA faster than I would have normally. It also gives me the versatility to study three concentrations." Matthew plans on attending law school upon graduation from Anderson.
Meredith Ellis was awarded a scholarship funded by the George A. Maloof endowment. The scholarship is based on academic improvement while attending Anderson. Meredith improved her GPA substantially during her studies at Anderson and is listed on the UNM Honor Roll as well as the Anderson Dean's List and also devotes time to community volunteer work.
"I am extremely honored to have received such recognition," said Ellis. "I owe my gratitude to the Anderson School and the George Maloof endowment. I hope to continue to move forward with the utmost respect for my mentors, following in their footsteps, and giving back to others in the future just as they have done for me."
Graduate student Kimono Clark is proof that if you set your mind to achieving a goal, you can make it happen. Kimono, a Master of Accounting student, attended school fulltime and earned her BBA from UNM despite enduring a number of difficult events in her life. Her dedication to her education is impressive
"My life experiences have made me stronger and more determined to achieve higher education and maintain a GPA that I have been very proud of," stated Clark. "In making the decision to return to school full-time, I have experienced some financial hardships, but I know they will benefit me in the near future." Clark received the Don Rhoades Memorial Scholarship as well as a New Mexico Scholars award.
The scholarship and fellowship recipients were selected by an Anderson School of Management Scholarship Committee composed of faculty and staff. The Committee for the 2008-2009 allocations included Professors Ken Baker, Chair, Ann Brooks, Steve Walsh, Craig White, Ward Hickey, Mary-Margaret Rogers and Anderson CFO Deborah Bower.
The awards reflect the wishes of donors who support students. The awards also include funds from the Office of Graduate Studies "New Mexico Scholars" awards, Anderson tuition assistance, and a wide variety of scholarships and fellowships funded through donations and endowments.
Interim Dean Amy Wohlert says the generosity of Anderson donors allows the school to offer this important support to its students.
"Our donors realize the incredible impact of using their own success to reach back and help others. Not only do they provide the funds our students need to stay in school, they also provide a model of responsible and compassionate investment in our future."
In all, almost 300 graduate and undergraduate applications were submitted for consideration.
For more information visit: The Anderson School of Management.
Media Contact: Leslie Venzuela, (505) 277-7117 e-mail: venezuela@mgt.unm.edu