Last modified: Thursday, July 29, 2004
South Bend's Sanders named Wells Scholar at IU
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Joshua Sanders of South Bend, Ind., has been selected as a Wells Scholar at Indiana University, one of 20 entering freshmen so honored. Sanders plans to prepare for law school with majors in English and philosophy.
The Wells Scholarship, named in honor of the late university chancellor and former IU President Herman B Wells, 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.
A National Merit Finalist, National Achievement Scholar and valedictorian of his senior class, Sanders is the first Wells Scholar from George Washington High School. He is also a Hoosier Scholar, a National Urban League Scholar and a South Bend Community School Corporation Distinguished Scholar.
A Hoosier Boys State delegate, Sanders participated for two summers in the Legal Experience and Academic Development Program directed by a South Bend attorney. He was honored for three years in the South Bend YMCA's Charles E. Martin Student Recognition Program and received the Personal Development Award in the 2003 Campaign for African American Achievement.
He was president of his school's National Honor Society chapter; editor of Hatchet, the school newspaper; and a member of the Academic Super Bowl and Quiz Bowl teams and the Drama Club. A four-year member of his school's concert, jazz and marching bands, he was selected for the Indiana Bandmasters Association All-State band his senior year. A teen leader for the Postponing Sexual Involvement Program, he was active in his church youth group, serving as secretary, vice president and president, and participated in the sign language outreach ministry.
The Wells Scholars program offers special seminars, an optional year of study abroad and support for a summer research project or internship. It also emphasizes close interaction with faculty, academic and career advising, opportunities for community service and contact with distinguished visitors. 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:
Joshua Sanders is the son of Darrell and Kathy Sanders, 4606 Ridgeway St., South Bend, Ind.
