Flinn Scholars News

The Flinn Foundation Scholars Program will host a series of informational meetings for Arizona high school students throughout the month of March and into early April. The sessions will be held in Tucson, Yuma, Tempe, Flagstaff, and Phoenix, and will discuss the '04-'05 scholarship (online application available in late August).

Since co-founding WaterPartners International, Marla Smith-Nilson has spent a significant portion of her life working toward the day when everyone, everywhere, will be able to take a safe drink of water; but the road from small-town girl from Benson, Arizona, to international programs director of a global nonprofit affecting the lives of thousands of people has not always been an easy one.

The University of Arizona Honors College designated Mandy Redig ('99) as its 2003 Outstanding Senior. According to the May 2003 edition of The Eclectic, the honors college newsletter, the award was given in recognition of "the breadth of [Mandy's]talents and the depth of her commitments."

Nineteen graduating seniors from Arizona high schools whose outstanding credentials could have landed them at nearly any university in the nation have been awarded Flinn Scholarships to attend an Arizona public university. The students were honored at an awards banquet yesterday at the Ritz-Carlton in Phoenix.

Arizona State University sophomore Chris Tijerina was one of two ASU students honored this year with the Cesar E. Chavez "Si Se Puede" award. The award is given to students who exemplify Dr. Chavez' spirit of community leadership.

Esther Ellsworth, a '98 Flinn Scholar, was one of 20 students to have been named to the USA Today All-USA Academic Second Team. As a Second Team member, Esther ranks among the top 40 outstanding undergraduates in the United States.

Governor Janet Napolitano recognized Flinn Scholar Chris Tijerina ('01) in her January State of the State address as an example of what one student can do to improve Arizona education. The governor cited the G.O.L.D. Scholars Program, founded by Chris while a student at Casa Grande Union High School, as a model for her plan to create successful learning environments.

Brian Lutz, a '97 Flinn Scholar, was among the 40 winners of the Marshall Scholarship this year. The award provides two years of post-graduate study in the United Kingdom. Brian is the fourth Flinn Scholar to win the coveted award.

Flinn Scholars and alumni met for the second of three sessions of the annual Flinn Scholars Public Policy Seminar focusing on Economic Development (E.D.).