You reached this page through the archive. Click here to return to the archive.

Note: This article is over a year old and information contained in it may no longer be accurate. Please use the contact information in the lower-left corner to verify any information in this article.

Two Ole students awarded Udall Scholarships

By Karl Olson '08
May 1, 2007

Nicole Novak '08 and Katie Handler have been awarded a 2007 Udall Scholarship for their outstanding commitment to the environment, leadership potential and academic achievement. Of the 80 scholars from around the country, the Morris K. Udall Foundation awarded only four to Minnesota students.

Novak and Handler have the opportunity to travel to Tucson, Arizona in early August to receive their award and meet policy-makers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care, and governance. "I am grateful for this scholarship and I am really looking forward to meeting the other Udall scholars," says Novak. "I love talking about these ideas."

Novak's ideas form around her dream of alleviating poverty by improving environmental conditions. She traveled to Central America last fall on St. Olaf's sustainable development study abroad program where she visited several rural communities working to improve their lives through environmental projects.

"My experiences in Central America helped me to recognize the importance of listening to and learning from communities themselves in development projects," says Novak.

Since returning to St. Olaf Novak's scholarly exploration of developing countries has continued. An Environmental studies and Spanish major, she is currently working with two other students analyzing the impact of U.S rice subsidies and their impact on the rice market in Costa Rica. This summer she returns to her hometown in Iowa to provide health services to agricultural migrant workers.

Handler is also an Environmental studies major. A native of Wisconsin, Handler is committed to environmental education and hopes to teach following graduation. This summer she plans to begin her teaching career with an internship at Shaver's Creek, an environmental learning center in Pennsylvania. "The application process has helped to clarify and strengthen my commitment to the environment and education," says Handler.

The two women hope to use this award for future education. Handler wants to develop a service project with the ideas of other scholars to carry out next year. A graduate degree in public health interests Novak.

In addition to a trip to Arizona, the scholars also receive up to $5,000 for tuition or other academics.

The Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation was authorized by Congress in 1992 to honor Congressman Udall's legacy of public service. Three St. Olaf students have won this award since 1996.

Contact Carole Engblom at 507-786-3271 or leigh@stolaf.edu.