California State University, Long Beach to Welcome 100 New President's Scholars to Campus this Fall

When the fall 2002 semester begins in September, Cal State Long Beach will welcome 100 new high school valedictorians and National Merit scholars to the fold as part of the university's prestigious President's Scholars program.

The incoming freshmen got a preview of their new academic home on Friday and Saturday as CSULB President Robert C. Maxson hosted a welcoming dinner and campus orientation for the students and members of their families.

The addition of this newest class brings the total number of CSULB President's Scholars to about 350, and members of the Class of 2002 are coming from every county in California.
Established by Maxson in 1995, the President's Scholars program was created to bring valedictorians and National Merit scholars from California high schools to the CSULB campus.

"This program was designed to attract the best and brightest high school graduates in California and there is no question in our minds that these students belong in that group," said Maxson. "The Class of 2002 should be especially proud of their selection because these students were chosen from an applicant pool of more than 400 of the state's top graduating seniors."

As President's Scholars, each student receives a full, four-year scholarship covering general student fees, an annual book allowance and paid housing in the campus residence halls. In addition, scholars receive priority registration, personal academic counseling and more.

The benefits for qualifying valedictorians and National Merit scholars from accredited California high schools are made possible through the support of the CSULB Alumni Association, the President's Associates and the Academic Corporate Council.

With more than 33,000 students, Cal State Long Beach is the second-largest campus in the 23-campus Cal State system, the largest public higher education system in the nation. Maxson has made the pursuit of the state's best and brightest high school graduates the centerpiece of the university's efforts to make Cal State Long Beach a university of choice and help the campus become one of the nation's leading urban universities.

For more information about the CSULB President's Scholars Program, contact Valerie Bordeaux, director of University Outreach and School Relations, at 562/985-8236.