Last modified: Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Seaside's Dhillon named Wells Scholar at Indiana University
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Jagsimrat Dhillon of Seaside, Calif., has been selected as a Wells Scholar at Indiana University, one of 20 entering freshmen so honored. She plans to major in international studies and to explore India studies, political science and public health at IU.
The Wells Scholarship, named in honor of Herman B Wells, the late university chancellor and former IU president, ranks among the most competitive and prestigious awards offered by any American university. Wells Scholars receive full tuition, fees and a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study on the IU Bloomington campus.
Dhillon graduated from Santa Catalina School in Monterey, Calif., where she received the Sister Kieran Courtesy Scholarship, the award for the school's outstanding student in Spanish, and the award for outstanding potential as an alumna.
A three-year member of her school's foreign language society, she speaks Hindi and has studied modern Punjabi script and sacred Gurmukhi script through the Khalsa School at her temple, where she also serves as a tutor and volunteer. Born in London, Dhillon has spent two summers in India and produced a documentary film on the social culture of modern Indian youth.
At Santa Catalina, she served for three years on the Day-Student Council, was a student tour guide for three years and was alumna reunion coordinator her senior year. She was a member of the staff of Mosaic, the school's literary magazine, and Amnesty International. She also participated in Peace and Justice, a human rights activist group, and LEADS, an economics and leadership organization. A talented actress, she received the Charlotte Perry Drama Award for her performance in Santa Catalina's production of Twelve Angry Women.
She volunteered at the Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula in the X-ray department.
The Wells Scholars program emphasizes close interaction with faculty, academic and career advising, opportunities for community service and contact with distinguished visitors. It offers special seminars, an optional year of study abroad and support for a summer research project or internship. Wells Scholars are members of the Honors College at IU, where they have the opportunity to apply for grants in support of research, teaching internships, professional experience, creative activity, conference travel and honors thesis work. They are selected for having demonstrated character, leadership and distinction, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Hometown information:
Jagsimrat Dhillon is the daughter of Rajinder and Sukhdeep Dhillon, 5020 Peninsula Point Drive, Seaside, Calif.
