Two incoming freshmen receive Gates Millennium Scholars Program grants; both will major in chemistry

Two incoming University of Richmond freshmen from the Richmond area have received Gates Millennium Scholar Program scholarships, awarded to 1,000 talented students each year and renewable throughout their undergraduate education.

Arjun Jaini of Hanover and Michael Cevallos of Chesterfield both plan to major in chemistry and have already been conducting research with Richmond chemistry professor Carol Parish.

Jaini has worked in Parish’s lab since his sophomore year at Hanover High School. He plans to pursue a career in either business or the chemical industry. Cevallos recently began research with Parish. He is a graduate of The Steward School and plans to pursue a career in medicine or engineering.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, established in 1999, was initially funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The program promotes academic excellence and provides an opportunity for minority students with high academic and leadership promise to reach their highest potential. More than 16,000 students have received Gates Millennium scholarships since the program’s founding.

Graduate school funding is also provided for continuing Gates Millennium Scholars in the areas of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.

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