May 15, 2009

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Shayna Rogers, an Oregon State University environmental sciences major from Corvallis, has been selected as a 2009 Udall Scholar.

Rogers was one of 80 students selected from among 515 candidates nominated by 233 colleges and universities nationwide. Of those selected, 70 scholars intend to pursue careers related to the environment. Six Native American/Alaska Native scholars intend to pursue careers in tribal public policy; four Native American/Alaska Native scholars will study healthcare.

Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for one year. This prestigious scholarship has generated more than 1,000 Udall Scholars since the first awards in 1996.

After graduation, Rogers plans to attend law school and specialize in environmental law. Ultimately, she hopes to work for a nonprofit organization committed to safeguarding our natural resources, promoting sustainable development, and advocating for environmental justice.

"Congressman Morris K. Udall was an esteemed and inspirational figure in national environmental politics, and to be recognized by the foundation established in his name is an incredible honor,” Rogers said. “This distinction is certainly one of my proudest achievements, and I want to sincerely thank everyone at Oregon State University who helped me to attain this goal.”

The Morris K. Udall Foundation is an independent federal agency that was created by Congress in 1992 to honor Udall's legacy of public service. Congressman Udall served in the House of Representatives for three decades, a career distinguished by civility, integrity and consensus. His love for the environment resulted in numerous pieces of legislation, chief among them the Alaska Lands Act of 1980, which doubled the size of the national park system and tripled our national wilderness. Congressman Udall also championed the rights of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, using his leadership in Congress to strengthen tribal self-governance.

The 2009 Udall Scholars will meet Aug. 5-9, in Tucson, Ariz., to receive their awards and meet policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care, and governance.

For more information on the foundation, scholars and related programs, visit http://www.udall.gov.

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