KU names outstanding minority engineering students as SBC scholars

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas School of Engineering announces its first class of SBC scholars. The awards, given to outstanding minority students in engineering, are funded by a generous grant from the SBC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SBC Communications. The scholarships are geared toward increasing diversity within engineering and computer science by providing support for minority and female students.

The awards are $3,000 or $2,000 for the academic year and are renewed automatically each year, assuming the students continue to perform well academically and make progress toward an engineering degree.

The recipients are:

 • Jonathan Ashley, Olathe freshman
 • Chris Carter, Kansas City, Kan., freshman
 • James Landavazo, 2002 KU biochemistry graduate from Topeka
 • Matthew Landavazo, Topeka freshman
 • Nicholas Mabry, Leawood freshman
 • Brittani Perry, Houston freshman
 • Gabriel Schmidt, Topeka freshman

"These students have shown through their exceptional academic standing, that they are truly among the brightest and best to enter the University of Kansas," said Florence Boldridge, director of diversity programs for the School of Engineering. "We are most proud of their achievements and know they will continue to honor not only themselves but also the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas."

A leader of SBC Communications expressed optimism about the students and the potential they embody.

"These scholarship students will soon be demonstrating their expertise as employees of companies like SBC," said David Kerr, state president for SBC Communications in Kansas. "We appreciate the opportunity to acknowledge their aptitude and reward their perseverance as they prepare to bring technical innovation to the marketplace."

The SBC scholar fund is part of a $1.6 million grant from SBC Foundation to the School of Engineering announced in November 2002. The grant also provides funds for state-of-the-art telecommunications, Internet and information security labs in the school's new Eaton Hall.

The recipients, their year in school and major, parents' names and high school alma mater are:

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Nicholas Mabry, freshman in computer engineering, son of Philip and Gladys Mabry; Rockurst High School graduate

From Olathe
Jonathan Ashley, freshman in chemical engineering, son of Darryl and Diane Ashley; St. Thomas Aquinas High School graduate

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
James Landavazo, 2002 KU biochemistry graduate who is beginning work on a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, son of Armond and Rachel Landavazo; Shawnee Heights High School graduate
Matthew Landavazo, freshman in aerospace engineering, son of Armond and Rachel Landavazo; Shawnee Heights High School graduate
Gabriel Schmidt, freshman in engineering physics, son of Michael and Olga Schmidt; Topeka High School graduate

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City
Chris Carter, freshman in aerospace engineering, son of Debra Carter; Sumner Academy graduate

TEXAS
From Houston
Brittani Perry, freshman in mechanical engineering, daughter of Fred Perry; Westfield High School graduate