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April 16, 1998

University chosen for Beckman scholars program

The University has been chosen as one of 20 universities nationwide to receive the 1998-99 Beckman Scholars Program award to help fund outstanding undergraduate research in biology, chemistry and engineering. Pitt will receive funds to help more than 70 undergraduate students, who will work with faculty mentors in the coming year.

Funded by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, the award provides nearly $15,000 per student for two full-time summer research sessions and for part-time research during one standard academic year.

The Beckman Scholars Program evaluates institutions on such areas as historical and current commitment to high-quality undergraduate research programs and the institution's record of student admissions to highly rated graduate and professional schools, as well as scholarly accomplishments and educational background of faculty and experience of faculty as undergraduate research mentors.

"The Beckman award recognizes Pitt's leadership role in undergraduate education," said David Burgess, chair of biological sciences and director of the Beckman award program at Pitt. "This acknowledges our continuing efforts to involve undergraduates in hands-on research in biology, chemistry and engineering sciences. It speaks directly to the quality of both our students and faculty in science and engineering." Carnegie Mellon and Penn State also were chosen for the program. n nounced that airfare and lodging discounts have been negotiated for the days surrounding Commencement, which will be held on Sunday, April 26, at 2 p.m. at the Civic Arena. A 5%-10% discount can be applied to any USAirways roundtrip airfare into Pittsburgh between April 23 and 29. For reservations and information, contact USAirways directly at (800) 334-8644. Callers should identify themselves as part of "Gold File 71670413." Rooms are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, April 24, 25 and 26, at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center hotel for $80 per night, plus tax. Normal rates for that weekend are $148. The Marriott is located on Washington Place, across the street from the Civic Arena. For reservations, please call the Marriott directly at (888) 456-6600 and mention "University of Pittsburgh Commencement." Space is limited.


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