Morris K. Udall Scholarship Referee Guidelines

The Morris K. Udall Foundation awards approximately 60 Scholarships each year to 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 also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development and education.

Scholars are selected on the basis of:

  1. Demonstrated commitment to environmental or natural resource issues; or tribal public policy; or Native American health care*.
  2. Commitment is demonstrated through substantial contributions to and participation in one or more of the following: campus activities, research, tribal involvement, community or public service.
  3. Course of study and proposed career likely to lead to position where nominee can make significant contributions to the shaping of either environmental or tribal public policy, or Native American health care issues, whether through scientific advances, public or political service, or community action.
  4. Leadership, character, desire to make a difference, general well-roundedness.

*Nominees in the categories of tribal public policy or Native American health care must be Native American or Alaska Native.

Your letter should:

  • Discuss the student’s capabilities and potential.
  • Explain why the student stands out above others and why you have confidence in the student’s personal and professional promise (include any relevant information regarding the student’s leadership and involvement in community service).
  • Include detail about your personal connection with the student and his or her contribution to this relationship.

Please note that the student has been asked to request three letters of recommendation. These are to include one from a current or recent faculty member who can discuss the nominee’s potential, a current or recent faculty member in the nominee’s field of study and another individual who can attest to the nominee’s capabilities.

Submitting the Letter of Recommendation

Please submit your letter of recommendation by Dec. 1 via email to Megan Stewart (mrp6@buffalo.edu).