Four Graduate Public Service Interns were among the scholarship recipients honored at the 2004 UIS Scholarship Recognition Luncheon. Kim Hayden, director of the Office of Graduate Intern Programs, announced that Jennifer Kypta, Meenakshi Meenakshi, Mark Danenhauer, and Julia McCarthy were among the UIS students honored for their commitment to excellence in academic performance, community service, and service to UIS students.

Jennifer Kypta, an Environmental Studies student interning at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, received the Central Illinois Typographical Union Local 177 Scholarship, the Margaret Miner Deland Memorial Scholarship, and the Cynthia S. Levin Memorial Scholarship, in recognition of her volunteer work in civics education and social services.

Meenakshi Meenakshi, an intern with the Illinois Department of Public Health and a student in the Public Health program, received the Gerlinde Coates’ International Student Scholarship for her exceptional commitment to the advancement of international/cross-cultural education and ongoing support of the goals and activities of UIS international students.

The Environmental Studies Alumni Award was presented to Mark Danenhauer in recognition of his exemplary dedication to environmental issues and demonstrated involvement in environmental projects. He completed his internship with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in December 2004.

Julia McCarthy, was the honored recipient of the W. William Stevens Scholarship for her contributions as a GPSI intern at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The scholarship was established in memory of Bill Stevens, former director of the GPSI Program, and is presented annually to a GPSI intern who demonstrates excellence in leadership and performance at the placement agency. Interns must be nominated by the placement supervisor to be eligible for the scholarship. Julia, an Environmental Studies student, also played a key role in the development of the GPSI Student Association, and currently serves as the organization’s president.