Last modified: Thursday, August 15, 2002
Valparaiso's Das selected as Wells Scholar at Indiana University
Editors: Publication-quality photos of all the Wells Scholars are available online at https://www.iuinfo.indiana.edu/avmedia/wellsscholars.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Anshuman Das of Valparaiso, Ind., an incoming freshman at Indiana University, has been selected by the university as a Wells Scholar. 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.
Wells Scholars receive full tuition, fees and a living stipend for four years of study on the IU Bloomington campus. The program also offers special seminars, an optional year of study abroad and support for a summer research project or internship. The 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 character, leadership and distinction, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Das is the first Wells Scholar from Valparaiso High School, where he earned distinction as the recipient of a Presidential Education Award. He was also named one of northwest Indiana's Leaders of the Future by the Post-Tribune newspaper.
He was a two-year Model United Nations delegate and was a member of the Science Olympiad team that was a regional champion and placed fourth in state and fourth in the nation. He attended the National Leadership Conference on Medicine and Health Advocacy at American University in Washington, D.C.
Das was a four-year member of the speech and debate team. He played tennis for four years, was a varsity member for two years, and captained the team his senior year. His team placed first in the Varsity Tennis Conference and went on to become sectional champions for two consecutive years.
He was a member of the Spanish club and the Key Club and did extensive volunteer work at Porter Memorial Hospital. He also was a participant and performer in the Indian American Association.
Das has been selected to participate in the IU Science, Technology, and Research Scholars (STARS) Program and intends to major in biochemistry, biology or chemistry.
Hometown information: Anshuman Das is the son of Dr. Purna and Anupama Das, 2602 Estero Parkway, Valparaiso, Ind.
