Gaylord Ambassador Mark Nehrenz receives
first Perkins Africa Scholarship

Mark Nehrenz, a Norman native and a junior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in journalism with an African Studies minor, and Ebisa Denu Wollenga, a graduate student at Mekelle University in northern Ethiopia, are the first recipients of the Perkins Africa Scholarship.

The International Programs Center at OU created the scholarship in honor of Ambassador Edward J. Perkins, the first director of the IPC and a former ambassador to South Africa, Liberia and the United Nations.

"The award will help young Americans and Africans study and learn in each other's countries," said Zach Messitte, vice provost for International Programs and the director of the IPC. "I can think of no better way to honor the legacy of Ambassador Perkins."

Nehrenz, a graduate of Norman High School, is a founding member of Oklahoma Students for Uganda, a student organization that raises awareness and money for children in need in northern Uganda. Nehrenz plans on traveling to Burundi this summer and to study in South Africa next fall. He plans to work in documentary production, preferably on projects related to Africa.

"Going to Africa as a Perkins Scholarship recipient is an incredible honor," said Nehrenz. "I hope to learn about the culture and history of South Africa while abroad, and will be sharing it with students here at OU through Internet videos and columns."

Wollenga, who plans to study industrial engineering when he begins at OU in the fall, said, "I have dreamt about studying productivity and the industrial process in the United States. I hope to one day write books on the productivity of industrial processes."

The endowed scholarship will assist OU students to pursue studies in Africa and African university students to study at OU. Scholarship applicants must meet specific criteria. Recipients will be selected through application review and a personal essay. Awards will be given out each spring on a competitive basis to qualified undergraduate and graduate students.

For more information, please call (405) 325-3581 or send e-mail to dmcmom@ou.edu.