Udall Foundation Honors Four Allegheny Students for Second Consecutive Year

MEADVILLE, Pa. – May 10, 2010 – For the second consecutive year, the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation has honored four Allegheny College students as either scholarship or honorable mention recipients.

The Udall Foundation awarded scholarships this year to 80 students, including two Allegheny College juniors: Carlyn Johnson, from Newburyport, Mass., who is double majoring in environmental science and physics, and Sarah Wurzbacher, from Titusville, Pa., who is majoring in environmental science and double minoring in chemistry and writing.

In addition, two Allegheny juniors received honorable mentions: Ali Trunzo, from McMurray, Pa., who is majoring in environmental studies and minoring in biology, and Shane Downing, from Cranberry Township, Pa., who is majoring in environmental science and double minoring in religious studies and biology.

A 14-member independent review committee selected this year’s group of Udall Scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy; leadership potential; and academic achievement. The scholars were selected from a record 537 candidates nominated by 256 colleges and universities.

Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for one year; honorable mention recipients are awarded $350.

“Recognition by the Udall Foundation places these students among the nation’s most promising young leaders in efforts to advance sustainability,” said Terrence Bensel, Allegheny professor of environmental science. “It is a prestigious achievement for them and for Allegheny College.”

The Udall Foundation is an independent federal agency that was established by Congress in 1992 to provide federally funded scholarships for college students intending to pursue careers related to the environment, as well as to Native American students pursuing tribal policy or health care careers. The foundation’s education programs are supported by a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury and contributions from the private sector.

The 2010 Udall Scholars will assemble August 4-8 in Tucson, Ariz., to receive their awards and meet policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.