Michael Dakduk wants a career in public policy. Shipra De aspires to be a university professor. Both are well on their way after receiving highly competitive national scholarships to further their education.
Advocating for Veterans
Michael Dakduk was awarded the 2010 Harry S. Truman Scholarship and $30,000 for graduate studies because of his exemplary leadership skills and dedication to a career in public service. He was chosen from among 576 candidates nominated by 245 colleges and universities across the nation.
A junior majoring in public administration, Dakduk served as a sergeant with the U.S. Marine Corps. in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has since committed to helping veterans transition from combat to civilian life. As an advocate for student veterans, Dakduk is working to put in place reforms that will enhance the new GI Bill.
"I firmly believe that higher education is the way to ensuring the success of our young military veterans as future leaders of our community, state, and country," he said. "There's more responsibility on my shoulders now. I have to work harder on behalf of the issues I am passionate about."
Dakduk is vice president of the national Student Veterans of America organization and was instrumental in establishing the UNLV chapter as well as a veterans' memorial that will soon be built on campus. After graduation, Dakduk plans to pursue a master's degree in public administration or a law degree for a career in public policy. He is a native Las Vegan and a Rancho High School graduate.
"It is clear from his background that Michael Dakduk brings credibility to his policy concerns and has used that status in the veterans' community to accomplish important results, both large and small," said Peter Starkweather, dean of the Honors College. "This provides strength and effectiveness as a leader."
About the Truman Scholarship: The U.S. Congress established the Truman Scholarship Foundation in 1975 for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or public service.
No Time to Relax for Shipra De
Shipra De's driving philosophy is simple. "While I have the opportunity, I'm going to learn as much as possible," said De, a senior majoring in economics, math, and science. "There's time to relax later."
De was selected from more than 1,100 engineering, math, and science undergraduate students to receive a 2010 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and $7,500 toward her undergraduate education.
An Honors College student, De is involved in the UNLV honor society Phi Kappa Phi, engineering college activities, and UNLV Honors Student Council. She's already co-authored a paper that was published in a well-established mathematics journal.
"Shipra De has a broad range of interests, which she seeks with discipline and passion," said Starkweather. "She is widely admired by the campus mathematics and honors communities and is very supportive of her peers."
De, a Green Valley High School graduate and aspiring university professor, said fostering the importance and love of math and science to students at any grade level and age is one of her goals. She plans to earn a Ph.D.
"The reward is in knowing you can do something to help society," De said.
About the Goldwater Scholarship: The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established in 1986. Many of the 6,000 Goldwater Scholars received further recognition through Rhodes and Churchill scholarships and fellowships from the Marshall Foundation.
