UAF FRESHMAN WINS $20,000 NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

Presentation scheduled in Anchorage on Friday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 1998

Fairbanks, Alaska - Domini Lyman, a 1998 graduate of Robert Service High School in Anchorage, will receive $20,000 to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks this fall under a program targeting students who are pursuing a degree in science or technology. Lyman is one of about 250 incoming freshmen college students nationwide to receive a Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholarship, which is paid to the student over a four-year period. A presentation is scheduled for Lyman and her family at the Anchorage Wal-Mart Store at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14.

Lyman is a straight-A student whose high SAT scores caught the eye of UAF Provost Paul Reichardt. He supported Lyman's Wal-Mart Scholarship nomination based on her outstanding academic accomplishments as well as her extensive record of community service and leadership.

While in high school, Lyman volunteered her time for organizations like the Alaska Health Fair and neighborhood beautification projects. She was a founding member of her school's sign language club and was a member of the Japanese club. While working summers at a fast-food restaurant, she taught herself second-year high school Japanese. She received a full scholarship to the Upward Bound Math and Science Program and was offered the highest academic award given by three separate institutions: the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Kettering Institute.

When she isn't busy teaching herself Japanese, or sharpening her sign language skills, Lyman can likely be found honing her computer-assisted drafting abilities.

"I really enjoy designing houses, landscaping and trying to streamline things," Lyman wrote in her scholarship application. Ultimately, she wants to earn an advanced degree in engineering. "Electrical and computer engineering have thousands of possible applications," she said.

Of particular interest to Lyman is medical technology. "There's a great deal which can be done by engineers to design and build new and important equipment. Technology can improve the quality and speed of health care delivery around the globe," she said.

The $20,000 Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholarship was created in 1992 by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. founder Sam Walton. The awards, which to date total about $23 million, support training in technology-intensive industries affecting America's success in the global marketplace. UAF was one of 145 colleges and universities nationwide selected to participate, based on technology-related programs.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Features, business and education reporters are invited to attend the Domini Lyman's check presentation ceremony at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14 at the Anchorage Wal-Mart Store, 3101 A St.

CONTACT: Anchorage Wal-Mart Store Manager Coleman Taylor (907) 563-5900, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Community Programs Director Keely Beene (501) 273-4569, or UAF Public Information Officer Debra Damron (907) 474-7122.

DPD/8-13-98/99-008