SOU Foundation Announces Ruhl Learning Fellowship Recipients

Two students receive in-state tuition and fee scholarships for 2010-11

(Ashland, Ore) The Southern Oregon University Foundation announced Senior Sarah Stednitz of Morro Bay, Calif. and Junior Robin Kigel of Talent, Ore. as the 2010-11 Robert Ruhl Learning Fellowship recipients. The fellowship provides full in-state tuition and fees to students demonstrating academic merit through a year-long research project.
Stednitz, a biomedical and psychology double major, proposed a study on the side effects of haloperidol on those with psychological disorders. “This fellowship will allow me to get the most out of my education and relieve me of significant debt burden,” she said.
Kigel, a history and political science double major, will use the fellowship to examine groups that provided social services throughout American history. “The rigors of my coursework and previous research prepared me to conduct this project,” she said.
More than 30 students applied for the scholarship. The two students were chosen by the SOU Foundation Board Selection Committee.
Both students were highly recommended by supervising professors. “Sarah’s (Stednitz) curiosity, intellectual skill, and work ethic make her a superb candidate for graduate school and ultimately research in neuroscience,” said Dr. Chris Oswald, biology professor.
Robin (Kigel) is exceptionally well prepared to undertake the kind of research envisioned by the Ruhl Fellowship,” said Dr. Dustin Walcher, history Professor.
The Robert Ruhl Learning Fellowship will be available next year on SOU’s online financial aid site, SOSA. For more information on SOU financial aid, call Enrollment Services at 541.552.6600.