The University of ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ at Boulder is getting a boost from the Puksta Educational Foundation in its effort to educate students to be responsible citizens, according to Michael Grant, associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education.
The assistance comes in the form of a new scholarship program, called Puksta Scholars. The scholarships are open to a select number of students whose charge is to be catalysts for positive change in the campus culture and in local communities.
"This initiative will serve as one of our most visible efforts at encouraging our students to treat civic engagement as a key ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder attribute, and one that we want to extend and enhance over the next several years," Grant said.
Approximately 16 Puksta Scholars will be selected, each of whom will receive a $4,500 scholarship renewable up to four years.
Puksta Scholars will work with faculty mentors to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences necessary for responsible citizenship, through a variety of activities on campus and in the community.
ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder currently has several programs in place that educate students about their ethical and civic responsibilities, including the Service Learning Program, Leeds School of Business programs, Norlin Scholars, the Honor Code, the Chancellor's Leadership Residential Academic Program, the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Experience, Judicial Affairs and the Building Community Campaign, in addition to themes examined in the new Writing and Rhetoric Program.
Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs, said the Puksta Scholars program supports the educational mission of the university, which is to graduate students who are prepared to be civically engaged citizens, as well as professionally competent workers who can contribute to the economic well being of society.
Students considered for the Puksta scholarship will be those who have exhibited an interest and commitment to their own ethical and civic development and who show promise for the future. They must have strong academic goals, be role models for others and bring about positive change within the Boulder campus and within society after graduation.
The Puksta Scholars program is funded by the Puksta Educational Foundation of Denver, established by the late Harry and Eva Puksta. ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder is one of three ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ universities to benefit from the scholarship fund, along with ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ State University and the University of Denver.
Financial support for the program also is made possible through gifts to the ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder Parents' Fund.