News

Students Receive SBS Scholarships

Ron Ansin with some of this year's recipients of the Ansin Study
Abroad Fellowship

Congratulations to all of this year's SBS students who earned scholarships for internships, study abroad and meritorious academic achievement. Present at this year's ceremony were several individuals whose generosity established some of the awards presented. Among them was Ron Ansin, pictured here with some of this year's recipients of the Ansin Study Abroad Fellowship.

Ansin is the father of two alumni, Ken '87 and Bob '96, both political science majors. The award, established eight years ago, supports undergraduates to live and study overseas. Since that initial gift, the Ansin Award has funded more than 170 individuals. This year it is supporting 21 individuals who are heading to Spain, England, Costa Rica, France, Brazil, Ghana, Vietnam, Australia, Denmark, Mexico, Greece, the Dominican Republic, and Italy.

Also present at the awards ceremony was Dwight Merriam '68, whose Merriam Internship Scholarship, given for the first time this year, was established to honor his aunt and two sisters. It supports summer or semester-long internships in public policy, law, ecological conservation and/or real estate development.

Several relatives of the late Scott Bacherman '76, who established three awards in Scott's memory, attended the ceremony as well. On hand were Scott's widow Susan Ryerson with daughter Jade, his cousin Marc Berman '80, Marc's wife Betsey, and Scott's mother Rosalyn. These awards honor students who have a strong commitment to WMUA and are looking toward careers in broadcasting.

Ellen Bluestein '84 (journalism), sister of William M. Bluestein '78 (economics), MA '81, who died in 2001, attended the awards ceremony as well. The scholarship was established before Bill's death and since then has been enhanced by his family and friends to commemorate his remarkable legacy and love of UMass Amherst. It honors an exceptional undergraduate with a demonstrated interest in economics, technology and/or public policy.

All of the awards presented at this ceremony, in fact, are funded through private gifts. The SBS Opportunity Fund, for example, comes from an endowment that is enriched by alumni through the annual fund, which means that its funds come from all alumni who earmark their gifts for SBS scholarships. This year the Opportunity Fund benefited ten individuals. The dean dreams of increasing that endowment exponentially, so that SBS can not only fund more students but also increase the size of individual awards.

Giving to scholarships makes opportunities possible for students who otherwise might not be able to take advantage of life- and career-shaping opportunities like travel abroad or internships or even continuing with their educations. Why not consider a gift today. You can give online to SBS scholarships, or if you have something more specific in mind, contact James Mallet, director of development (413-577-1700).

Click here for a listing of all student award recipients and pictures of the event.

May 15, 2007