November 18, 2005
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Kyle Chilton
(801) 863-7205
UVSC Student Wins Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Utah Valley State College student Connie Richardson was named one of 55 recipients of the 2005 Phi Theta Kappa National Dean’s List Scholarship. Students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and one international student were selected for the award.
Richardson, who currently works full time in the software industry and studies part time, is a 54-year-old biology major. She started going to college in 1970 with plans of going to medical school but dropped out to start a family. In the late 70’s, Richardson tried to return but trying to balance school and family proved overwhelming. She began studying again in 2002 after her friend, UVSC Associate Vice President Michelle Lundell, suggested she return to school. Richardson completed her associate’s degree in 2004 and in now working towards a bachelors degree in biology.
The National Dean’s List is a prestigious list that includes students in two-year and four-year degree programs. All 55 recipients of the National Dean’s List Scholarship are chosen by random search to receive a $250 scholarship. Richardson is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, which is the oldest, largest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year and community colleges. By virtue of her membership in Phi Theta Kappa, Richardson was nominated for the Dean’s List.
“The scholarship was a surprise and it feels great to receive the recognition,” Richardson said. “It will certainly help pay for those chemistry books next year.”
Richardson plans to graduate in the spring of 2009.
###