Sixteen talented high school seniors have been awarded a Terry Scholarship, becoming the first class of Terry Scholars at The University of Texas at El Paso.
“We are overjoyed with the outstanding students selected to be Terry Scholars at UTEP,” said Gary Edens, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. “Each of them brings to the UTEP campus strong academic and leadership backgrounds.”
More than 700 seniors applied for the new scholarship opportunity, which provides full funding for outstanding Texas high school graduates to attend the University starting in fall 2015. The recipients plan to pursue bachelor’s degrees in science, engineering, nursing, education and health sciences and represent four local school districts.
The new opportunity is thanks to the generous support of the Terry Foundation, whose goal is to improve and develop the State of Texas by supporting students to attend the state’s finest public universities, including UTEP. The foundation hopes selected scholars will have a significant impact on the future leadership of the state and nation.
With such expectations, very high standards have been set for Terry Scholars. Three primary criteria helped select recipients: leadership potential and character; scholastic record and ability; and financial need.
UTEP’s 16 Terry Scholars will receive full coverage for their tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Recipients also have the opportunity to request additional funding for a study abroad semester. The scholarship will renew annually, for up to eight semesters, for students who meet its strict scholastic requirements.
“The Terry Scholarship is a very competitive award that promotes campus involvement and high academic achievement,” Edens said. “I can’t wait to see the amazing contributions these Terry Scholars will make at UTEP over the next four years.”
The recipients for fall 2015 are:
Mariah Alvarez, Valle Verde Early College High School
Andrea Arizpe, Montwood High School
Iliana Cobos, Riverside High School
Yessica Delgado, Clint High School
Alejandro Diaz, Parkland High School
Carlos Diaz, El Paso High School
Daniel Garcia, Parkland High School
Marcel Gilley, Parkland High School
Fernanda Guerra, Franklin High School
Elizabeth Martinez, Jefferson High School
Melissa Murillo-Sanchez, Clint High School
Victoria Nevarez, Chapin High School
Rebecca Ortiz, Andress High School
Leanna Peru, Mission Early College High School
Patricia Rodarte, Riverside High School
Angel Rodriguez, Jefferson High School