Honors program seeks top sophomores for scholars programs
LAWRENCE — In spring 2014, Anh Le was named a member of the 33rd class of University Scholars at the University of Kansas. Twenty sophomores are selected for the program each year based on their academic achievement and involvement.
"My experience as a University Scholar was fun and challenging. I was able to learn about areas that are outside of my majors and, most importantly, I was also able to learn from my fellow Scholars, who were bright, friendly and dedicated students,” said Anh Le.
The Honors Program and International Programs offer two opportunities for talented students to further their campus connections, fund their education and partner with a faculty mentor. The University Scholars Program selects 20 students, while the Global Scholars Program selects 15. The programs offer unique opportunities to develop bonds with other bright and talented Jayhawks and participate in a course during the spring semester. The applications are now live for all interested sophomores.
The Global Scholars Program, sponsored by International Programs, will usher in its fifth year with a course taught Dena Register, associate professor in the School of Music, on Community in a Global Context. Students have a unique opportunity to conduct research and present at a symposium their senior year. Additionally, scholars receive a $1,000 scholarship to participate in a university-approved study abroad trip. All selected sophomores will be paired with a faculty mentor to help guide them through their remaining time at the university.
The University Scholars Program is entering its 34th prestigious year. The opportunity, sponsored by the University Honors Program, will offer a course taught by Professor Philip Baringer, Department of Physics & Astronomy, on the topic of time. Selected scholars will receive a $250 scholarship for five semesters and be partnered with a faculty mentor from their field of interest. The University Scholars Program is campuswide and is not restricted to students in the University Honors Program.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed mentoring Anh Le — University Scholar, business honors student and first-year Finance Scholars program participant. I admire his talent and ambition, but his sincerity, kindness and humility are endearing. Students like Anh make it easy to be an enthusiastic faculty member,” said Christopher Anderson, Anh Le’s mentor and associate professor with the School of Business.
The Honors Program and International Programs encourage all faculty members interested in mentoring one of this year’s 35 rising scholars to contact Anne Wallen at annewallen@ku.edu. Faculty mentors meet with their students as needed to provide guidance and information on opportunities for internships, scholarships and involvement on campus.
Faculty mentorships are what the faculty member and student make of them, and Anh Le could not be happier with his experience with Anderson.
“Dr. Anderson helped me explore and take advantage of opportunities about my major in the School of Business like the Jennett Finance Scholars Program, as well as gain in-depth knowledge about the finance industry,” Anh Le said.
The application for Global Scholars can be found online, as can the application for University Scholars.
The deadline for applications is Sept. 25. Interviews will begin on Oct. 19.