As tuition continues to climb, some Ohio University students have cut down costs by distinguishing themselves in competitions for national awards.
A record-breaking 88 students submitted 105 applications for 49 diverse awards in the 2005-2006 academic school year. In the end, they brought home 45 academic awards, some of which are as prestigious as the Mitchell, Fulbright, Eisenhower and Udall.
The number of participants has continued to swell every year since the program started seven years ago. The first year included 18 student applicants and five awards.
Last year, 68 students submitted applications for 30 distinct awards and won 37. In 2003-2004, a total of 52 students submitted applications for 18 distinct awards, winning 23.
Ann Brown, director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, said the 30 percent increase in participation since last year shows that OU students and faculty are making a name for themselves.
Students in our small
Midwest school were being taught to be modest and humble but now students and faculty have become to see themselves differently Brown said.
All winners receive money, and more than 20 will travel and study in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
Senior Rachel Cook, who won the Morris K. Udall Scholarship, said a portion of her reward will be applied to an environmental study trip to South Africa.
She could not have won the award without the faculty's encouragement and guidance, Cook said.
In a general sense
the engaged culture of OU students
encouragement from faculty and staff and strong environmental community surrounding OU were all important factors in my winning the Udall
she said.
Brown cited the same reason behind students' success in the arena of nationally competitive awards.
The faculty are the heart and soul of our program
Brown said. This reflects what an excellent education and undergraduate experience students get at Ohio University. Faculty and staff are willing to work with
mentor and motivate students to the point at which they can compete for these awards.
Brown also said these awards reflect the quality of a student's experience at OU.
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