Last modified: Monday, August 15, 2005
San Antonio's Dunk named Wells Scholar at Indiana University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUG. 15, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University President Adam W. Herbert announced that Lisa Dunk of San Antonio, Texas, has been selected as a Wells Scholar at IU, one of 19 entering freshmen so honored. She will this fall join more than 300 others who have been named Wells Scholars. The scholarship, named in honor of the late IU Chancellor Herman B Wells, ranks among the most competitive and prestigious awards offered by any American university. Since its inception in 1990, more than two dozen Wells Scholars have gone on to earn prestigious Rhodes, Truman, Marshall, Soros, Mitchell, Churchill, Fulbright and Goldwater scholarships for advanced study.
Many previous Wells Scholars today contribute to society as attorneys, doctors, school teachers and business people and even an ordained minister. Others have gone on to clerk for Indiana and U.S. Supreme Court justices, are engaged in international relief and service efforts, and are scholars at other renowned educational institutions such as Harvard Business School and Cornell Law School. There are Wells Scholars currently serving in the Armed Forces and other positions in government.
"This program has a spectacular track record for developing future leaders who reflect the example and vision of former IU Chancellor Herman B Wells," Herbert said. "Its impact is reflected in the achievements of past Wells Scholars who have remained in and contributed to the Hoosier state, and by those who represent the university and our state with great distinction both nationally and throughout the world. Since its establishment 16 years ago, IU also has used the Wells Scholars program as a model for other scholarship programs that enable IU to attract to our campuses more of the best students in the state and nation."
To honor Wells, IU created the Wells Scholars Program, which began with fund-raising efforts in 1988 and the appointment of Professor Breon Mitchell as its founding director. In 1990, IU welcomed its first class of Wells Scholars and on June 7, 1992, Wells' 90th birthday, he was officially presented with the Wells Scholars Program as a gift from his many friends and admirers. After his death in the spring of 2000, this community of talented and dedicated young scholars remains as a permanent legacy of his educational vision.
Wells Scholars receive full tuition and course-related fees, as well as a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study on the Bloomington campus of IU. The program also offers special seminars, an optional year of study abroad, and support for a summer research project or internship. The Wells program emphasizes close interaction with faculty, academic and career advising, opportunities for community service, and contact with distinguished visitors.
Wells Scholars are selected for having demonstrated exceptional qualities of character and leadership and distinction both inside and outside of the classroom.
Dunk is the first Wells Scholar from Antonian College Preparatory High School, where she received Kodak Young Leaders, Gold Youth Leadership and Rotary Youth Leadership awards. She was a member of the National Junior Classical League Honor Society and her school's Latin Club, which won a state championship in Latin competition and which she served as vice president; and she twice earned summa cum laude distinction in the National Latin Exam.
A two-year member of the Texas All-State Choir, Dunk earned superior ratings at state solo and ensemble competitions, received a National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Merit Award, and was a semifinalist in the National Association for Teachers of Singing competition. She was student director of her school's choir, a volunteer and student member of the San Antonio Choral Society, and a chorus member with the Lyric Opera of San Antonio. A versatile musician, she also won recognition for flute and piano performances and played in her school's band.
Dunk was National Honor Society president and student council treasurer. In addition, she was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society; her school's medical team; and the San Antonio Swing Dance Society. She plans to major in vocal performance and to study European languages.
