Seven Eckerd College students have won Hollings Scholarships, which will provide each with thousands of dollars in financial aid and a fully paid internship at a NOAA agency.
Eckerd’s Hollings scholars are among 150 students at 78 colleges and universities across the country to win the prestigious award. Eckerd students have won 62 Hollings Scholarships since the program began in 2005, more than any other college or university in the country. It has been the top recipient of Hollings Scholarships from the beginning, a remarkable achievement for a liberal arts college with only 1,800 full-time undergraduate students.
The scholarships, named for former U.S. Senator Ernest Hollings of South Carolina, are designed to increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science.
The 2015 Eckerd Hollings scholars and their majors are Jason Baer of McLean, Va., marine science and Spanish studies; Daniel Chapman of Fort Collins, Colo., marine science and biochemistry; Brittany Evans of Hartwell, Ga., marine science; Carina Graham of Potomac, Md., biology; Austin Hunter of Jacksonville, Ill., marine science and biochemistry; Sarah Raney of Chesterfield, Mo., marine science and environmental studies; and Jessica Richter of St. Charles, Ill., marine science.
“We are proud of the academic achievements these scholarships reflect,’’ said Eckerd Dean of Faculty Suzan Harrison. “Winning a Hollings scholarship takes hard work and dedication by both our students and our outstanding faculty.”
Besides a NOAA internship, each winner will receive a total of $16,000 in scholarships for their junior and senior years. The 10-week internships, which are done between the junior and senior years, provides the students with invaluable hands-on experience. The awards also include travel funds to attend an orientation program and conferences, as well as a housing subsidy during the internship.
