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Connecticut College awarded $50,000 to establish science scholarship

August 18, 2008

NEW LONDON, Conn. - The Maximillian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc. has awarded a $50,000 grant to establish the Hoffman Scholars Fund at Connecticut College, which will provide a scholarship to a student from Connecticut entering the Science Leaders Program.

Launched in 2007 and funded by a National Science Foundation grant, the Science Leaders Program aims to increase the number of women and minority students graduating from Connecticut College with a degree and research experience in the sciences.

Students admitted to the program are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and priority is given to women, students of color and first-generation college students. Science Leaders receive enhanced scholarships, additional mentoring and support, career preparation and counseling and assistance applying to graduate and medical school. They also complete an intensive first-year seminar with other Science Leaders.

"It's the sort of grant that's going to have a huge effect on an individual. For a student from a disadvantaged background, it could be the catalyst that leads to a successful future in science," said Chemistry Professor Marc Zimmer, who leads the program. "That's what makes this grant unique."

Zimmer said the money will help the student with necessities like textbooks. This year, 17 freshmen, with wide ranging scientific interests in everything from environmental science to medicine, will enter Connecticut College as Science Leaders.

The Hoffman Foundation, based in West Hartford, was founded by Marion O. Hoffman and her sister Doris C. Chaho in 1983 and is currently run by Chaho's daughter Marion Barrak. Over the years, the Hoffman Foundation has supported medicine, education, the arts and charitable activities in Connecticut and nationwide. "We wish Connecticut College great success in this endeavor," said Marion Barrak, president of the Hoffman Foundation.

Among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Connecticut College enrolls 1,900 men and women from 41 states, the District of Columbia and 71 countries. The college is known for putting the liberal arts into action through interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. Founded in 1911, the college operates under an 86-year-old honor code. The college is located at 270 Mohegan Ave, New London, about two hours by car from Boston and New York. The 750-acre campus is an arboretum overlooking Long Island Sound. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.

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For media inquiries contact: Amy Martin (860) 439-2526; a.martin@conncoll.edu