iSchool awards 16 Graduate Leadership Scholarships to incoming Syracuse University students

iSchool awards 16 Graduate Leadership Scholarships to incoming Syracuse University studentsSeptember 29, 2008Margaret Costello Spillettmcostell@syr.edu

The School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University has announced the recipients of the 2008 Graduate Leadership Scholarships. This scholarship program was launched this year to recognize excellence in incoming applicants and to encourage them to participate in and lead the graduate student organizations and other initiatives within the school.

“As a leading iSchool, we find that the best and brightest often apply, but sometimes aren’t able to attend due to financial reasons,” says Dean Elizabeth D. Liddy. “Our hope is that the leadership scholarships will enable these high-achieving students to enroll in our top-ranked programs.”

The scholarship covers six tuition credits a year for both years of study in one of the master’s degree programs. Recipients of the award are expected to participate in the life of the school through a variety of activities such as assisting with the administration of student organizations and serving as peer advisors. Scholarship recipients must maintain good standing academically, along with good overall performance in the school.

A committee of iSchool faculty, staff and administrators selected the recipients based on their application and supporting materials in a competitive review process.

During a recent awards lunch, faculty and staff members provided the scholarship recipients with ways in which they could engage in the life of the school. Ideas ranged from working on research projects and mentoring other students to taking a leadership role in student organizations and recruiting over breaks.

This year’s 16 scholarship recipients are enrolled in three of the master’s degree programs in both the campus and distance-learning formats. They are:

• Tasha Beers, school media distance program
• Rebecca Buerkett, school media distance program
• Ashley Christopher, information management program
• Christina Parker Evola, school media distance program
• Scott Goff, school media program
• Michael Luther, library and information science program
• Amanda Mitchell, library and information science program
• Ambika Narayanan Kutty, information management program
• Jocelyn Ozolins, school media distance program
• Susan Page, library and information science distance program
• James Powell, information management program
• Jennifer Recht, library and information science program
• Peter Schult, library and information science distance program
• Leah Sopchak, library and information science program
• Clark Thompson, information management program
• April Yannarelli, school media distance program