Furman Student Reece Lyerly Chosen as 2010 Udall Scholar
May 3, 2010
GREENVILLE, SC – May 3, 2010 – Furman University junior Reece Lyerly has been named a 2010 Udall Scholar as the recipient of one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate awards for students pursuing careers in environmental fields.
Lyerly, from Roswell, Ga., was one of 80 students from 63 colleges and universities selected for the award by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation.
A graduate of Roswell High School, Lyerly is majoring in earth and environmental sciences at Furman. He hopes to unite two of his passions—science and social justice—in a career in environmental public health focused on issues related to climate change in the developing world.
The son of Robert and Robin Lyerly of Roswell, he is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Quaternion honor society and is active in Africa Rising, the Environmental Community of Students and the Outdoor Club.
A 14-member independent review committee chose this year’s group of scholars after examining their leadership potential and academic achievements in addition to their commitment to careers in environmental or health care areas or in Native American/Alaska Native tribal public policy.
“These students are the future environmental and tribal leaders of our world, and the Udall Foundation is proud to help them advance their education,” said Terrence L. Bracy, chair of the Board of Trustees of the foundation.
Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for the student’s junior or senior year. The program has helped 1,155 Udall Scholars since the first awards in 1996.
The 2010 Udall Scholars will assemble Aug. 4-8 in Tucson, Ariz., where they will receive their awards and meet policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.
The Udall Foundation is an independent federal agency that was established by Congress to provide federally funded scholarships for college students. The foundation is dedicated in part to educating future generations in how to preserve and protect their national heritage.
For more information, go to www.udall.gov or call the Furman News and Media Relations Office at (864) 294-3107.
