ASU honors Gates Millennium Scholars at reception

The ASU Graduate College will honor more than sixty students who have been recognized for their academic achievement and promise as future leaders by the national Gates Millennium Scholars program. The reception will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.

The Gates Millennium Scholars program provides financial support to high-achieving underrepresented students pursuing undergraduate and graduate education. The program has funded more than 13,000 students across the country since it was launched in 1999 with a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Special guests at the invitation-only reception will include Dr. Delia Saenz, Vice Provost, Office of Executive Vice President and Provost of the University; Dr. Mark Jacobs, Dean of Barrett, The Honors College; Michael Begaye, Director of American Indian Student Support Services; and Dr. Peterson Zah of the ASU and American Indian Affairs office.

The Graduate College also hosts meetings of the Gates Millennium Scholars Organization (GMSO), formed in 2008 by Gates scholars. GMSO meetings provide the opportunity for Gates scholars to network with each other, as well as scholars, professors, employers and other community members, to promote leadership development and community service.