Nu Alpha Phi Scholarships

Colleen R. MacDonald

Office of Financial Aid October 27, 1998

It is my pleasure to inform you of the recipients of the Nu Alpha Phi Scholarship and the William H. Schoonmaker, Jr. ‘33 #119 Scholarship for the 1998-1999 academic year. We have selected Kim Bui, a junior from San Dimas, California; Anjali Kamat, a junior from Madra, India; and Robert Wyckoff ‘00 #1227, a junior from Alta Loma, California, to be honored as the Nu Alpha Phi Scholars. In addition, we have selected Carmen Balber ‘99 #1175, a senior from Highland, Michigan, to be honored as the Schoonmaker Scholar.

Kim is majoring in Psychology and Public Policy Analysis and she is considering a career in either public interest law or lobbying. Last spring, Kim participated in Pomona’s study abroad program in Montpellier, France. While at Pomona, Kim works for the Admissions Office and for the Department of Economics. In a personal statement written this summer, Kim shared some of her reflections:

“After studying abroad my whole worldview was put into a different perspective. I realized that the different cultures I encountered on many voyages were not all that different from my own. The same societal problems and inequalities that exist in the U.S. exist in every other nation. Some cultures are just worse off than others are. I believe in social justice, but lately I have been questioning my idealism. In a world so full of inherent inequalities, how does one define the distinction for social justice especially when it seems like disparities in society must exist in order for there to be equilibrium? Questions such as this one have come out of my policy implementation class [and] have only engendered more excitement about my future and the work I hope to accomplish in public policy.”

Anjali is majoring in History, and she is considering a career in research or teaching. Anjali has pursued her interest in South Asian studies by working as a research assistant with Zayn Kassarn, a Religion Studies professor at the College. She volunteers in community service projects designed to raise public awareness about gender and labor issues. In addition, she works for student-run publications as a photographer, and she enjoys sharpening her musical talent, by taking piano lessons. This fall, Anjali is studying at Oxford University.

Robert Wyckoff is majoring in English. Robert has a passion for creative writing. He enrolled in an Advanced Creative Writing class in order to develop his talent as a writer in the hopes that one day soon he will get published. He is a current Nu Alpha Phi member. In addition, Robert is the Student Manager for the Coop Fountain. This spring, Robert will study at Cambridge University.

Carmen is majoring in Politics. Carmen is a current member of Nu Alpha Phi. She took advantage of Pomona’s study abroad program in Santiago, Chile. Because of Carmen’s deep-rooted interest in social and political issues, she worked as an intern at a political research institute while in Chile. She has made plans to continue this research in the states; she worked as a Field Manager for a grassroots environmental and consumer activist group over the summer of 1997.

These committed, hard-working, and high-achieving students display the qualities that Pomona nurtures in its students. We are proud of their accomplishments and hope you agree with us that they are worthy recipients for the Nu Alpha Phi members’ generous gifts. On behalf of Pomona College, I want to express our gratitude for your continued generosity.

Colleen R. MacDonald
Assistant Director, Office of Financial Aid
Pomona College


Robert Wyckoff ‘00 #1227

Kind Sir or Madam,

I am the recipient of the Nu Alpha Phi Memorial Scholarship for the 1998–1999 academic year and I just wanted to say thank you very much. Even though I have just completed my first complete semester in NAP, I already feel as though it is like another family. There are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters. And lots of them are crazy, just like a real family. I think it is a wonderful organization that has offered me and will continue to offer me plenty of wonderful opportunities. Thank you.

Last semester I executed the position of Secretary of Nu Alpha Phi. I enjoyed the responsibility and entertainment of sending the emails relaying the minutes of the weekly meetings and the announcement of events and dates. I hope I carried out the position with respect it deserves.

I look forward to my continued involvement with NAP in the coming semesters, and hope to repay what I have been given with my commitment and service. Again, thank you. Hope to see you all at the wash someday.

Sincerely,
Robert Wyckoff ‘00 #1227


Kim Bui ‘00

Dear Nu Alpha Phi,

I would like to personally thank you the Nu Alpha Phi membership for your generous contributions to my education. Pomona College students are fortunate to receive support for financial ad from private donors such as yourselves. My Pomona experience has been absolutely incredible.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Kim Bui ‘00