McNair students head to grad school
ourteen graduating seniors of the University's Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program will attend graduate school in the fall--the largest number to go directly into graduate studies in the program's 13-year history.
"This group of students is exemplary of what the Rochester Curriculum is all about; having the freedom to explore the subjects and questions that intrigue them, these students learn what they love and are motivated to continue their educational careers beyond the bachelor's degree. Rochester McNair Scholars take full advantage of everything the College has to offer," says William Scott Green, dean of the College.
Ronald McNair, a physicist and the second African American to fly in space, realized his dream of becoming an astronaut, and then flew on his first mission in 1984. On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded and killed McNair and six other crew members.
After the disaster, the U.S. Congress approved funding for the program to increase the number of low-income, first-generation and underrepresented minority college students who pursue and complete the doctoral degree. The program's goal is to attract these students into careers as researchers and professors on the university level.
First funded in 1992, the McNair Program at Rochester has served 294 students, 261 of whom have earned their baccalaureate degrees. Of those graduates, about 70 percent have gone on to graduate work in a wide variety of fields at institutions across the country.
"McNair scholars form a community and are among the best and brightest of Rochester students. This particular group has set a very high standard of academic excellence and determination that is quite inspiring," says Beth Olivares, director of the program. "I applaud their accomplishments and look forward to seeing them flourish in their new academic and intellectual pursuits."
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