KU News Release

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LAWRENCE — More than 200 members the Class of 2010 at the University of Kansas who were recipients of KU’s top scholarships will be recognized during Commencement on Sunday, May 16. The top scholars in the graduating class represent 39 Kansas counties and seven other states.

Each year, KU awards its most prized four-year scholarships to students whose academic records and other qualifications make them eligible for selection. These students are Chancellors Club Scholars, Elizabeth M. Watkins-Emily Berger Scholars, Solon E. Summerfield Scholars, Endowment Meritorious Scholars, National Merit Scholars, National Hispanic Scholars and National Achievement Scholars. The funds for these scholarships are managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management foundation for KU.

The Class of 2010 includes a recipient of KU’s Perfect Achievement Scholarship, established in 2005 for graduates of Kansas high schools who achieve perfect scores on their college entrance exams. The four-year undergraduate scholarship covers tuition and fees, housing in a traditional residence hall with a full meal package and an allowance for textbooks.

In addition, 11 McNair Scholars are among the graduating seniors being recognized. The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant that serves undergraduates who come from low-income families, are first-generation college students or are from groups underrepresented in higher education. The program prepares them to be successful in graduate school.

The Chancellors Club, the major-donor organization at KU Endowment, annually awards 10 renewable scholarships worth $1,500 to $2,000 to recognize National Merit finalists, five from Kansas and five from out of state, who have outstanding high school records.

Elizabeth M. Watkins-Emily Berger and Solon E. Summerfield scholarships provide $4,500 a year for four years to 100 Kansas high school graduates in recognition of their outstanding high school academic achievements and records of community service and leadership. Summerfield scholarships for men are funded through an endowment established by Solon E. Summerfield, who was a Lawrence native and KU graduate. Watkins-Berger scholarships for women are financed by the estate of Elizabeth M. Watkins of Lawrence and an endowment in memory of Emily Berger, a KU graduate, by her brother, the late Arthur Berger of Dallas.

Endowment Meritorious Scholarships provide $500 to $2,500 a year for four years to high-achieving students who enhance the diversity of the student body.

The National Merit Scholarship is regarded as the most prestigious national award bestowed upon high school seniors. Fewer than 9,000 students of the 1.3 million who compete for the award, or fewer than 1 percent, receive National Merit Scholarships. Recipients are chosen based on their academic abilities and extracurricular activities.

The National Hispanic Scholars and National Achievement Scholars programs are the nation’s most prestigious competitive scholarships for minority students. National Achievement Scholarships are provided through the National Merit Scholarship Corp. in Evanston, Ill. National Hispanic Scholarships are coordinated by the National Hispanic Recognition Program, through the College Board offices in New York City.

KU’s National Merit, National Hispanic and National Achievement scholars received scholarships valued at $10,000 a year.

The Class of 2010 includes graduates from summer and fall 2009 as well as candidates for degrees for spring 2010. The Commencement procession begins at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

The graduating scholars are listed below by home county or state, award, major, level in school or degree received, parents’ names and high school.