Meet the 2006 CSU Alumni Legacy Scholarship Recipients

Jacob Blumberg - Go to Jacob's Essay
Junior, Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO - Major: Technical Journalism and Political Science

Activities/Involvement:
• Instructor for 2006 Presidential Leadership Program (first undergraduate to ever teach the class)
• Marketing and PR director in the Student Leadership and Civic Engagement Office 2005-2007
• Presidential Leadership Program, CSU 2004-present
• Leader of “Cookies for Kids” service project to benefit underprivileged youth in Larimer County
• Weekly Opinion Columnist and News & Sports Reporter, The Rocky Mountain Collegian Newspaper
• Selected to represent CSU at the Colorado Leadership Alliance Summit on Diversity-2005
• Started community service project “Trash your Tree” for Domestic Violence Prevention, raising over $1,000 to donate to shelter 2003-2004

Thank you letter:
Dear CSU alumni and friends:

Colorado State University has always played a special role in my life.  As the fourth person in my family to become a Ram, I have always felt a very special connection to CSU, a connection that rows stronger every day I am part of the grand tradition that is Colorado State.

Throughout my life, I have done my best to positively contribute to the world around me.  At Colorado State, I have focused on becoming not only a part of the campus community, but the Fort Collins community as well.  The lessons I have learned leading and participating in community service efforts have only reinforced how valuable helping others truly is, one facet of the outstanding overall education I have already received at CSU.

Inside the classroom, I have been able to pursue a double major in technical journalism and political science, two degrees I know will be a key in achieving my future goals.  Without the power of these degrees, my future would certainly not be as bright as it is today.  CSU will forever be a part of my life, providing me with knowledge and lessons I could not garner anywhere else.

I would like to thank you for your every donation to Colorado State and the Legacy Scholarship. Without your generosity, CSU would not be the grand institution it is today, and the grand institution it will be in the future. The Legacy Scholarship will provide me and its other recipients with financial aid that will allow us to continue our education and contributions to CSU. Thank you so much for showing your Ram Pride through your generosity, and I hope to make my legacy one that all alumni can be proud of. 
GO RAMS!

Sincerely,
Jacob Blumberg

Johanna Hamburger - Go to Johanna's Essay
Sophomore, Hometown: Greenwood Village, CO, Major: Economics and Political
Science Minor: Completing two interdisciplinary studies: Conservation Biology and Environmental Studies

Activities/Involvement
Founder and President of Colorado State University’s Mock Trial Team.
• Volunteer tutor for HomeRun, a community program that pairs tutors with young adults trying to earn their GED.
• Hughs Undergraduate Research Scholar at Colorado State University.  This program places students with a mentor and allows students to conduct laboratory research in their scientific field of interest. I am working in an ecotoxicology laboratory on a project to determine the effects of zinc metal on native shrubs to simulate ecological damage caused by the mining industry.  After I determine the effects, I will begin working on how to viably restore metal-contaminated mine sites.  I will be presenting my research next spring at CSU’s Science Colloquium.
• Member of the Honors Program at Colorado State University.
• Published one academic argument and one public editorial, both on Brazilian environmental policy and deforestation, in “Talking Back” the Colorado State University English department’s online magazine.
• Co-editor of “Spiritus Mundi” the Honor Program’s literary magazine. I worked on the magazine during March and it was published in April 2006.

Thank you letter:

I am truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the alumni and other friends of the university who have made the Legacy scholarship possible.  This award embodies what I most love about CSU: the opportunity.  In my case, this scholarship has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams of studying abroad as a Hansard Scholar.  This program allows students to intern with a member of the British Parliament and enroll in courses at the London School of Economics.  Though this program carries a burdensome price tag, your gift will assist me in participating in a phenomenal experience I otherwise might not have had.

Assisting others in reaching their educational goals is a noble endeavor, and I am proud to attend a school where so many alumni are willing to reach out and help.  I believe that the mark of a great university is in part derived from how many graduates give back to their alma mater after they have left.  It signals an interest and caring that stems from an exceptional experience, one that will never be forgotten.  By this standard and so many others I know that CSU is a great university.  Due to the benevolence of so many who have walked the halls before me, I too will have experiences I will never forget.  And hopefully someday, I will help provide a new generation with experiences they will never forget. It is with deepest gratitude that I thank all of you who have made this university great by giving back.

Sincerely,
Johanna Hamburger

Lacey Hood -  Go to Lacey's Essay
Freshman, Hometown: Fowler, Colorado, Major: Anthropology and Animal Science

Activities/Involvement
• Presidential Leadership Program
• High school activities: Student Council, El Pomar Youth in Community Service, Fowler Christian Youth Fellowship, 4-H, Drama Club, Speech Club, FBLA, Choir

Thank you letter:

Friends and Alumni of Colorado State University,

My name is Lacey Hood and I am one of the recipients of the CSU Legacy Scholarship for the 2006-2007 school year. I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and gratitude for your contribution to my future education. Words cannot express how grateful I am for this award. Without it, it would have been very difficult for me to attend college. Both of my parents graduated from CSU and I am excited to continue their legacy as a student there. I am currently an Open Option major, but I am leaning toward a double major in Anthropology and Animal Science with a minor in journalism. However, whatever I decide to do, I know that I will be able to achieve it because of your generosity and support. Thanks again!

Meron Menwyelet - Go to Meron's Essay
Freshman, Hometown, Fort Collins, Major: Political Science

Activities/Involvement
• Key Academic Community
• President’s Leadership Program
 Freshman Retreat
 Student of Color Leadership Retreat
• Voices of Unity
• Ethiopian Student Association

Thank you letter:
Dear Scholarship Donors:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding the Legacy Scholarship. I am very honored to be a recipient of this award.

I will be beginning my academic career at Colorado State University as a freshman majoring in political science and concentrating on International Relations.  Wth the completion of my degree, I hope to work internationally, which includes returning to my birthplace of Ethiopia, Africa.

Receiving this scholarship motivates me to remain in good academic standing, as well as contribute to the community that embraced and directed my father and his career at CSU nearly seventeen years ago.  Through my participation in the Key Academic Community at CSU, I hope to be part of a diverse group of students committed to their academic success and who are involved in campus activities.

Once again, I thank you for your confidence and willingness to support my academic goals.  Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Sincerely,

Meron Menwyelet