The Udall Foundation recently announced the 2020 Udall Scholars and three students from The University of New Mexico were recognized.
Jakeem Paul was awarded the scholarship, and is one of 55 scholars selected from 429 applicants nationwide. Chenoa Scippio and Dora Bean received the Honorable Mentions.
The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service and commitment to issues related to Native American communities or to the environment. This scholarship honors the legacies of Morris and Stewart Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care and the stewardship of public lands and natural resources.
Paul is from the Navajo Nation in Round Rock, Ariz. and majoring in Community Health Education. He served as a residence advisor for the Summer Bridge Program coordinated by the UNM American Indian Student Services and also organizes a horse theory for Navajo youths who suffer from mental illness. He hopes to become a health education specialist in the Indian Health Services in his hometown.
“I am very thankful and honored that the Udall scholarship committee have selected me to receive this prestigious scholarship," Paul said. "I am thankful for the support of the committee, my mentors, family, friends, instructors and advisors that all contributed to this goal that I have accomplished. I am looking forward to discussing health care issues and personal experiences in that aspect with my new peers that I will gain through this achievement. I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to represent UNM, my family and my native people.”
His recommenders are Daniel Begay from UNM American Indian Student Services, Benjamin Brandley from the Department of Communication and Journalism, and Delbert Johnson from the Navajo Preparatory School.
The Honors College’s National & International Scholarships and Fellowships (NISF) office provides students with merit-based scholarship and fellowship opportunities. For more information on scholarship opportunities visit the NISF website.