ATHENS, Ohio (July 28, 2004) -- Thirteen undergraduate Ohio University students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in the university community were recently awarded $2,500 Pepsi Ohio University Campus Leadership Scholarships for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The scholarship program was created last year to recognize and enhance student leadership. Students are chosen according to quality and quantity of leadership contributions to the university community, quality of academic performance and evidence of success in balancing academic achievement with involvement out of the classroom.

Funds for the awards are provided by a pouring rights agreement between Ohio University and Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Athens. The scholarships are part of a 10-year, $300,000 commitment Pepsi has made to support student leaders. The students who are awarded the scholarship are archetypes of dedication to the university community.

"Developing a sense of leadership and community involvement are hallmarks of the Ohio University educational experience, and these individuals exemplify those qualities through their actions," Director of Student Activities Anne Lombard said.

Ohio University graduate and recipient of the 2003-2004 Pepsi Ohio University Campus Leadership Scholarship Marisa Long said, "Receiving the Pepsi Scholarship made me realize that my contributions to Ohio University are important. It was an honor to receive a scholarship that was based on extracurricular involvement. The program serves as a great incentive for other students to become involved as leaders at Ohio University."

Receiving Pepsi Ohio University Campus Leadership Scholarships for the 2004-2005 academic year:

ELIZABETH BARNETT, Canal Winchester, Ohio, was recognized for her involvement in Delta Zeta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society and as a Resident Assistant.

JENNIFER M. BASL, Sewickley, PA, was recognized for her involvement in the Society of Women Engineers, Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineering Honor Fraternity and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

ALLISON BONHARD, Lyndhurst, Ohio, was recognized for her involvement in Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society and the Collegiate Middle Level Association.

KELLY N. CURTIN, Blacklick, Ohio, was recognized for her involvement in the Center for Student Advocacy Law Offices, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity and the Association for Cultural Exchange.

MICHAEL BURNS, Wintersville, Ohio, was recognized for his involvement with the Ohio University Office of Admissions and the Department of Health Education and Wellness.

SARAH DECKER, Glenview, IL, was recognized for her involvement in Delta Gamma Sorority, Inc., Foreign Language in Elementary Schools and the Ohio Program of Intensive English.

MAUREEN DWYER, Cincinnati, OH, was recognized for her involvement with International Student Union and the National Association of Communications.

HEATHER HAYNES, Toledo, Ohio, was recognized for her involvement in the Black Student Cultural Programming Board, Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc. and the Student Activities Commission.

NATALIE PARIANO, Westlake, Ohio, was recognized for her involvement in the University Program Council, Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society and WOUB Radio.

CHAIRATCH PHROMPECHRUT, Thailand, was recognized for his involvement with Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity, Academic Advancement Center and Residence Services.

DUSTIN TORRES, Mason, Ohio, was recognized for his involvement in Student Senate, Society of Professional Journalists and the Scripps Student Advisory Board.

ANNE VALENTE, Solon, Ohio, was recognized for her involvement with Circle K, Honors College Advisory Council and the American Medical Student Association.

DUSTIN MICHAEL WOOD, Delaware, Ohio, was recognized for his involvement with the Ohio University Board of Trustees, Student Senate and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity.

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Media Contact: Media Specialist Jack Jeffery, (740) 597-1793 or jefferyj@ohio.edu

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