by Mark Schaaf
Daily Lobo
Regent Don Chalmers said donating to the Presidential Scholarship is a good investment.
"It is a wonderful feeling," Chalmers said. "They are successful here and we know they are going to be successful when they leave here."
The Presidential Scholarship Program provides $5,400 for tuition, fees and books for 423 UNM students.
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Students and donors gathered to celebrate the program's 30th anniversary Tuesday night at the SUB.
Alumni of the program spoke to scholarship recipients, who must be New Mexico high school graduates that demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership and community service. A 3.5 GPA during high school and high standardized test scores are also requirements.
Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA, but the average for UNM Scholars is about a 3.7 GPA, Chalmers said.
The program aims to keep the University's top scholars in the state after graduation.
A donor can become a full sponsor of a student with a $1,750 annual gift or $875 with a matching gift. The donations are tax deductible.
Sophomore Aubrey Blair-Pattison said the application process involves writing a letter to UNM explaining why the applicant deserves the scholarship. Recipients also write thank-you letters to their donors twice a year.
Blair-Pattison also said leftover money from the scholarship provides other opportunities. She plans to go skiing in the Andes soon.
"You can do a lot more just because you have the funds for it," Blair-Pattison said.
Though many sponsors maintain relationships with their students, Blair-Pattison said she has never met her sponsor, who lives in Colorado.
Sophomore Nathan Dautenhahn said Tuesday's program, with the 30th anniversary theme, was different than last year.
"They had a few more skits from students, so it was a little bit different," he said.
This year's program featured scholarship recipient Zack Kear on a piano solo.
Some Presidential scholarship recipients go on to be donors like UNM graduates John and Natalie DeBassige. Natalie is in her first year of medical school at UNM, and she told recipients to reflect on what the program means to them and encouraged sponsorship.
Thirty-two alumni are donors.
Freshman Justin Topmiller, who receives the scholarship, said the thought of donating seemed a long way away.
"It's hard to grasp it right now because we have no money," Topmiller said. "But I think it's excellent, and it gives you an idea on how after you get a degree, you do move into a little bit more (stability)."
