Colorado State University Names Monfort Scholars for 2008

Note to Editors: Photos of the 2008 Monfort Scholars are available with the news release at http://www.newsinfo.colostate.edu/.

Colorado State University has awarded five outstanding incoming freshmen full scholarships funded by the Monfort Scholars program, which was established in 1999 to furnish annual scholarships to top students entering the university.

The recipients, all from Colorado, are Jennifer Davis of Hotchkiss, Andrea Fasen of Loveland, Nicole "Kryssi" Miller of Littleton, Ross Snyder of Pueblo and Benjamin Sutton of Colorado Springs.

"These promising young scholars have bright futures thanks to the Monfort family and their ongoing support of students at Colorado State University," said Robin Brown, vice president for Enrollment and Access.

Davis, who graduated from Hotchkiss High School, plans to study biochemistry and pursue a career in research. While in high school, she ran varsity cross-country for four years, serving as team co-captain. She completed her Associate of Arts degree concurrently with her high school graduation. She also works with middle-school students to help them improve their writing skills.

Fasen, a graduate from Loveland High School, is interested in civil or environmental engineering and "green" architecture. She volunteered with Hearts and Horses as a horse leader for riders with physical disabilities. She ran track and started a girl’s crew team at her high school in addition to swimming with the Loveland Swim Club.

Miller graduated from Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton. She plans to study performing arts. Her career interests include owning a horse ranch and training facility, theater and writing. She is a member of the Westernaires, the nation’s largest horse and rider drill team, and was president of the Jeffco High School Rodeo Team.

Snyder graduated from Pueblo East High School. He plans to study environmental engineering and work in environmental protection. He participated in speech and debate and varsity tennis for four years. He also served as leader of MESA (Math, Engineering, and Science Achievement Program) at his school. Ross also led a recycling program at his high school, and volunteered bi-monthly as site manager for two county recycling sites.

Sutton graduated from Liberty High School in Colorado Springs. He plans to study biological science and pursue careers in the diverse fields of acting and biology. He participated in Liberty High Theatre as the set crew chief, Knowledge Bowl as team captain, and Science Olympiad as team captain. He is involved in acting through his church and volunteered at the Pueblo Raptor Center, rehabilitating wild birds.

The Monfort Scholars program, established by the late Kenny Monfort and his wife Myra in 1999, recognizes superior scholastic ability, leadership, service to community and school, and outstanding character. Monfort Scholars receive funds for tuition and fees, a room and board stipend and a book allowance for four years if they maintain academic standards.

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