The Udall foundation recently announced the 2019 Udall Scholars and two Native American students from The University of New Mexico were recognized. Kianna Holian was awarded the scholarship and Jakeem Paul received the Honorable Mention.
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 Udall 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.
Holianis majoring in population health and minoring in psychology and is an affiliate of the Cochiti Pueblo, the Navajo Nation, and the Jemez Pueblo. She works for the College Horizons developing programs to support Native American students at UNM. Holianhas conducted community-based research on the effect of legislation and policy on the land and people’s lives in Native American communities. She hopes to pursue master’s degree in public health and improve the health care in Native communities.
“I am honored to receive this scholarship and thankful for the support I have had from the UNM community on reaching this goal.” said Holian. “I look forward to networking with previous Udall scholars and meeting my cohort to discuss Native American policy and health care issues. This opportunity creates the space Native American students need to create change in their communities. I am proud to represent UNM and our local tribal communities with this award.”
Paulis from the Navajo Nations in Round Rock, Ariz. and majoring in nursing. He was a member of Nataanii Youth Council, proposing solutions for the issues in the Native American communities. He implemented the program called, Just Move It, into his community last summer to organize a series of health awareness events. Eventually, Paul hopes to pursue a medical degree and work in pediatric health in Native communities.
Fulbright Scholars
Six special Lobos are preparing to go beyond their textbooks and classrooms to experience a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity to travel and study as Fulbright Scholars.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright in 1945, is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide.
UNM recipients include:
- Evan Bleakly, English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Germany
- Andrej Radic, History Research Award, Croatia
- Stephen West, Anthropology Research Award, Japan
- Andrew Bernard, Urban Development and Planning Research Award, Argentina
- Christian Skye Finke, ETA in Malaysia
- Camille Dwyer, ETA in Malaysia
The Fulbright Program currently awards approximately 1,600 grants annually to U.S. students in all fields of study and operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.
UNM’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.