University of Florida student from Oldsmar named Udall Scholar

May 4, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida student was named a Udall Scholar for the 2011-2012 year by the Udall Foundation.

Justin Fisch, a rising senior from Oldsmar, is majoring in political science and geography with a minor in sustainability studies. He is also pursuing a certificate in international relations. He speaks three languages and is the president of the UF Travel and Recreation Program, known as TRiP. Fisch served as a member of the Tallahassee Internship Program in 2010 and was a J. Wayne Reitz Scholar during the recent academic year.

The Udall Foundation, named for former U.S. Rep. Morris K. Udall of Arizona and his brother, former Secretary of Interior Stewart L. Udall, selects each year’s group of scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy. Leadership potential and academic achievement also factor into the committee’s deliberations. More than 500 students were nominated for the award by college and university faculty members around the country, yielding a class of 80 scholarship recipients.

“Justin Fisch is an excellent student and impressive leader among his fellow UF students,” said Kevin Knudson, director of the University of Florida Honors Program. “His work with TRiP and his commitment to outdoors education will make him a major player in environmental affairs in the future.”

The scholarship provides $5,000 for each student’s senior year. The entire class of scholars will assemble in Tucson in August to receive their awards and meet policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.