September 20, 2007
Scholarships based solely on merit, not race
While I welcome interest in The University of Montana’s scholarship program, I do wish that Ms. Schmautz had taken the time to familiarize herself with that program before writing her editorial in the Sept. 19 edition of the Montana Kaimin.
Ironically, the process that she advocates in awarding scholarships is the process that is followed.
Rest assured that the Presidential Scholarships are awarded strictly on merit – no other consideration is made.
Those applicants not fortunate enough to be selected as Presidential Scholars are then entered into the General Scholarship competition where again the applicant is awarded a scholarship based on such factors as “excels in math, works part-time in the local health clinic, submitted a powerfully written essay about living in rural Montana, and composes music.”
It is my (and my staff’s) responsibility to find the scholarship for that student whom the committee has deemed worthy of a scholarship.
It is at this point that factors such as ethnicity, or gender, or need, or being from a particular county in Montana, or interest in a particular field of study, and on and on and on are considered. Donors set criteria for the money they give and we honor those wishes-but only after the scholarship has been earned by the merit of the application.
So, in order to fulfill our fiduciary duties to our donors, questions about gender, and high schools attended, and counties of origin will remain on the applications.
I would welcome the opportunity to visit with anyone who has any questions about the scholarship process at this institution.
Terri Gruba
Associate Director, Enrollment Services/Financial Aid Office
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