Record Number of UC San Diego Students Named as 2009 Gates Millennium Scholars

January 7, 2009

By Pat JaCoby

A record 63 students at the University of California, San Diego have been accepted in the Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Gates program was established in 1999 to provide support for outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans and Hispanic American students who are completing undergraduate work in all discipline areas, or graduate studies in mathematics, science, engineering, education or library science. A major goal of the GMS is to reduce financial barriers for students from ethnically underrepresented groups with high academic and leadership promise who are at a significant economic disadvantage.

“Gates Millennium Scholars represent some of the most outstanding and gifted students attending college today,” noted Penny Rue, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. “UC San Diego is honored to have such a large number of these uncommon scholars among us. Noted for their creativity and drive as well as their intelligence, Gates Scholars are sure to make a positive impact in the UC San Diego community.”

Rue added that “the investment by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will insure that these talented young people have the support they need to thrive in college. The commitment to diversity in higher education of the Gates Foundation matches the commitment to diversity within UC San Diego.”

Students are nominated for the GMS program by principals, teachers, counselors, tribal higher education representatives and other professional educators. Students who are nominated must have strong leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to community service.

Media Contact: Pat JaCoby, 858-534-7404