BODENHAMER FELLOWS ANNOUNCED AT UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Eight 2001-2002 freshmen students have been awarded prestigious Bodenhamer Fellowships at the University of Arkansas, worth up to $60,000 each.

The incoming freshman class for fall 2001 raised the Bodenhamer Fellows total at the U of A to 26 students. Included in this year's group are Elizabeth Dail of Norfork, Josh Daily of Little Rock, Elizabeth France of Russellville, Carrie Irwin of Springdale, Laura Jakosky of Agoura Hills, Calif., Tom Murphy of Conway, Sarah Stein of Little Rock and Shawn Trimble of Springdale.

"The Bodenhamer Fellows have shown themselves to be extraordinary in every way. Not only do they excel in the classroom, but they also manifest strong leadership and possess a service orientation," said UA Chancellor John A. White. "The newly named Bodenhamer Fellows have already demonstrated they are 'cut from the same cloth.' 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 $48,000 for four years of study or up to $60,000 for five years if the student is pursuing an accredited five-year degree program. They cover 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 one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the nation and were created to be awarded to four freshmen entering the U of A in the fall of 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, 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.

According to White, Dr. Bodenhamer is to be commended for his vision in establishing the Bodenhamer Fellows program.

"His generosity has allowed us to recruit 26 exceptional students," White said. "Without his support, it is likely most, if not all, of these students would have gone elsewhere to study."

The Bodenhamer Fellowships encourage Arkansas' outstanding high school students to pursue a college education at the University of Arkansas. Students from outside of Arkansas are also encouraged to apply.

Shawn Trimble of Springdale graduated from Springdale High School, and his academic interests include the physical, chemical and biological sciences; mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering; robotics; computer programming; and music performance, history and theory. He is the son of Cindy Trimble of Springdale and Steve Trimble of Fayetteville.

"What I’ve treasured most about the Bodenhamer Fellowship is the chance to stand out within the University," Trimble said. "As a Fellow, I get to become friends with Chancellor White and the plethora of other staff that are here to help me in any way. Thanks to the fellowship, I have reserved for me a place at the University, a place within a growing community of distinguished colleagues, a place to feel welcome and wanted, and the opportunity to make the University my own."

Carrie Irwin graduated from Springdale High School as well, and her academic interests are in computer programming, engineering, business, marketing and Spanish. She is the daughter of Clark and Georgi Irwin of Springdale.

"Becoming a Fellow automatically puts one into an elite group at the University of Arkansas," Irwin said. "This includes personally knowing the Chancellor and provost as well as many of the professors. I have an instant group of friends who will always study with me and offer help in any subject. I am grateful to have been involved in the Bodenhamer Fellowship program."

Elizabeth France graduated from Russellville High School and is interested in theatre, math, science, music, dance and forensics. She is the daughter of Ed and Sharon France of Russellville.

"The Bodenhamer Fellowship is such a blessing in my life. It provides me with so many opportunities that I would not otherwise have," France said. "Already, in the first month of my freshman year, I am benefiting greatly from the Fellowship. From the moment I came to campus as a Bodenhamer Fellow, I knew that I would have a wonderful experience here."

Laura Jakosky of Agoura Hills, Calif. is interested in history, pre-law and track. She graduated from Agoura High School and is the daughter of Donn and Linda Jakosky.

"The Bodenhamer Fellowship will provide me with the opportunity and confidence to pursue my ambitions beyond my expectations," Jakosky said. "This is made possible by the connections made available through the fellowship, the company I share, and the close relationships I am able to form with my peers. I have been in Fayetteville for only two weeks now, and I already feel this camaraderie. I am indebted to Dr. Bodenhamer for making all this possible and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Tom Murphy is a graduate of Conway High School, and his academic interests include engineering, calculus, chemistry, physics, writing, philosophy, theology, psychology, political science and government. He is the son of John and Debbie Murphy of Conway.

"The Bodenhamer Fellowship is more than a scholarship; it is a rare opportunity," Murphy said. "The Fellowship encourages the development of the whole person, with an emphasis not only on growing mentally, but also culturally and socially. The Bodenhamer Fellowship has allowed me to pursue an education at the University of Arkansas while also fostering the development of many new relationships with bright students and faculty members."

Elizabeth Dail of Norfork graduated from Norfork High School, and her academic interests include anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, chemistry, math and microbiology.

"The Bodenhamer Scholarship signifies the standards that I placed on myself in high school, and symbolizes all that I had achieved there," Dail said. "As a Bodenhamer fellow, I feel obligated, but not extremely pressured, to further apply myself in order to achieve an even higher standard of education and of humanity. Through the eyes and the hearts of the other Bodenhamer’s I have been given the chance to witness how other people perceive this world. With the aid of the Bodenhamer Scholarship, and at this wonderful University, I am offered so many opportunities that allow me to pursue my dreams."

Josh Daily of Little Rock is a graduate of Pulaski Academy and is interested in international business, politics, physics and chemistry.

"I consider myself truly blessed to have been chosen as a Bodenhamer Fellow," Daily said. "I am astounded as I think of the tremendous opportunities I will have over the next four years as a direct result of Dr. Bodenhamer's generosity. Not only will the financial freedom enable me to focus on academics and college life without the worries associated with a job or having to pay tuition, but also I will be able to travel to places and see things that most people live their whole life without ever having experienced. I seriously doubt that another scholarship exists that offers students the same opportunities as does the Bodenhamer Fellowship."

Sarah Stein of Little Rock graduated from Mills University. Her academic interests include chemical engineering, chemistry, math, microbiology, ballet, orchestra and pre-med (pediatrician).

"The Bodenhamer Fellowship has aided me in developing important relationships that I might otherwise not have established," Stein said. "From the start of the Washington D. C. trip, I made close friends with the other amazing Fellows. University of Arkansas faculty members take special interest in my academic success and are willing to provide any assistance needed. I look forward to the many more opportunities this fellowship will provide, such as study abroad which are unparalleled by scholarships at other colleges."