KU News Release

KU junior wins Boren scholarship to study Chinese at Beijing Institute

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas junior has been named a 2008 David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholar by the National Security Education Program.

Lee “Mickey” Clemon, who is majoring in mechanical engineering, is among 150 students nationwide selected from a pool of 697 applicants for the Boren scholarships, which provide funding for study abroad to scholars planning careers in national security. Scholarships are awarded to applicants planning to study languages and cultures not commonly chosen by U.S. students.

A total of 44 KU students, including Clemon, have been named Boren scholars since 1994, when the first scholarships were awarded.

Clemon will leave for China on Aug. 27 to begin study at the Beijing Institute of Education through China Educational Tours. He will stay in China for the 2008-09 academic year.

He is the son of Lonnie and Doloros Clemon of Olathe and a graduate of Olathe South High School.

Clemon has studied introductory Chinese at KU and hopes the year abroad will not only increase his language skills but also expand his understanding of Chinese culture. His career goals after completing a doctorate include research and development.

This summer, Clemon received an internship through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program funded by the National Science Foundation. His internship was with the University of Minnesota Center for Compact Efficient Fluid Power.

At KU, Clemon worked as a resident assistant at Templin Hall in 2008 and was a 2006 Mount Oread Scholar. He has served as vice president of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. During his freshman year, Clemon was a member of the School of Engineering Student Council and the school’s financial advisory committee. He is an Eagle Scout.

The National Security Act of 1991 established the Boren program, which provides funding for undergraduate and graduate study. KU’s Office of Study Abroad administers the program for undergraduates. Following their year abroad, Boren scholars commit to a year of service in the intelligence community or the federal departments of defense, homeland security or state. The program seeks to educate U.S. citizens, help them understand foreign cultures, strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and enhance international cooperation and security.

For more information on how to apply for the award, contact Justine Hamilton, program coordinator in the Office of Study Abroad, at (785) 864-3742 or justine@ku.edu.

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