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UAH business major Michael Russ pursues dreams as a Gates Millennium Scholar
The current life of Michael Russ, a business administration major at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), is one of faith. Russ, a sophomore from Dothan, Ala., was awarded the Gates Millennium Scholarship in April of 2006, one month prior to high school graduation. Funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the scholarship provides financial aid to minority students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, and "have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities," and who meet the Pell Grant eligibility criteria. The scholarship covers expenses that financial aid does not, and provides funding into the master’s and Ph.D. curriculum.
Sixteen Gates Millennium Scholars were selected from Alabama in 2006, and there are currently 77 attending Alabama institutions.
Russ is the first person from Dothan’s Northview High School to receive the scholarship. This year, he transferred to UAH as a sophomore, after hearing about the university and its reputation.
"It’s rewarding," Russ said. "Life is hard at times, but nobody said it would be easy. I’m proud that I made the decision."
Those who have faith in Russ include from family, friends, his high school guidance counselor and his godmother. He also has his faith in God and himself.
Russ’ guidance counselor at Dothan’s Northview High School, Nellie Smith, informed him about the Gates Millennium Scholarship and encouraged him to apply for it. He believes his religious faith has opened doors for him
"The scholarship has been life-changing," said Russ. "God has opened so many doors for me. Without the scholarship, I would not be here."
Russ’ godmother, Brenda Brown, had stated to him that there was no need for him to worry because the blessings of the Lord would come and overtake him. She had told Russ he would be rewarded with a scholarship just weeks before the Gates Millennium Scholarship award was announced. "I’m blessed and privileged to be here and to be able to achieve my goals." After completing his education, Russ plans to become an entrepreneur, providing numerous opportunities for others.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville 301 Sparkman Drive Huntsville, AL 35899 1.800.UAH.CALL