UM Junior Awarded Udall Scholarship for Environmental Leadership

	UM junior Joanna Calabrese has been named a 2009 Udall Scholar

College Park, Md. -- Joanna Calabrese, a junior at the University of Maryland, has been named a 2009 Udall Scholar by the Morris K. Udall Foundation. Udall Scholars are selected on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, leadership potential, and academic achievement. Calabrese is one of 80 Udall Scholars selected from more than 500 candidates from across the nation.

The Udall Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for tuition, room and board, or other educational expenses. Udall Scholars also take part in a four-day orientation in Tucson, Ariz. where they meet with other Scholars, elected officials and environmental leaders. Scholars also gain access to a network of environmental policy professionals through the Udall alumni listserv.

"Joanna is impressive not only because of the range of her activities, but the depth of them, as well," said Wendy Whittlemore, associate director, UM environmental science & policy program. "She is thoughtful and energetic, well-read and passionate. She is a doer of the highest order and we are extremely proud of her."

Calabrese is majoring in environmental science and policy, an interdisciplinary program co-sponsored by the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources; Behavioral and Social Sciences; Chemical and Life Sciences; and Computer, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences. She serves as senior vice president of the Student Government Association, is a student representative for the Climate Action Plan Workgroup, and a student sustainability advisor for UM's Office of Sustainability. Additionally, Calabrese served as a president and treasurer of Clean Energy for Maryland, and was a research intern with the House of Representatives Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming. She also participated in the CIVICUS Living-Learning Program.

A resident of Laurel, Md., Calabrese is a graduate of Reservoir High School.

The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation regularly awards 80 scholarships and 50 honorable mentions on the basis of merit to sophomore and junior level college students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment.

Other contacts:
Francis DuVinage, 301.314.9458
Ela Rossmiller, 301.314-1289