May 26, 2004

Contact: Andrea Nash
(805) 756-1525

Cal Poly Women's Studies Program Awards Two Scholarships

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- The Cal Poly Women’s Studies Program recently awarded
scholarships to two students who have demonstrated a commitment to
women’s rights.

Psychology major Rebecca Swanson from Yucaipa received the Dr. Shirley
H. Walker Scholarship, and electrical engineering student Rebecca
Freeman from Tucson, Ariz., received the Vicki and Darell Farrer
Scholarship.

The Shirley H. Walker Scholarship recognizes a Cal Poly student who has
demonstrated a commitment to women's equality issues by serving as a
leader in organizations that have the primary purpose of promoting
women's rights politically, economically and socially.

Swanson was honored for her involvement in such events as Run To
ReMEmber, Cool Chicks on Campus, ReMEmber Week, the Women's Center, Cal
Poly Women's Awareness Club,
Clinic Watch and the Women's Preventative Health Initiative. She also
initiated the Women's Forum, an event that brings together women from
the community and the campus to talk about gender issues.

Swanson was recognized for “maintaining an almost superhuman level of
commitment to the social and political well-being of women.”

The Vicki and Darell Farrer Scholarship recognizes a College of
Engineering major or chemistry, physics or statistics major in the
College of Science and Mathematics who has demonstrated a commitment to
women’s equality issues by serving as a leader in organizations that
have the primary purpose of promoting women’s rights politically,
economically and socially.

Freeman is a member of the Cal Poly chapter of the Society of Women
Engineers, and as a participant in Habitat for Humanity, she helped
rebuild a local retirement home for elderly couples.

She has attended a National Organization of Women (NOW) conference to
learn more about issues faced by professional women.

In her nomination letter, Freeman was called “an excellent student who
will continue to inspire both her fellow students and her teachers
alike.”

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