Five graduate students in the Department of Geology & Geophysics were recognized recently for their participation in the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars program at Texas A&M. David Hansen, Hiroko Kitajima, Veronica Arrigoni, Majekodunmi Oluwatosin, and Kristen Mullen attended a dinner hosted by ConocoPhillips to honor SPIRIT Scholars from the College of Geosciences, The Dwight Look College of Engineering, and the Mays Business School. Arrigoni and Mullen are working on their master’s degrees, and Hansen, Kitajima and Oluwatosin are doctoral candidates.

Catherine Strong, Director of Geoscience Technology, Non-Conventional Gas, for ConocoPhillips was featured speaker for the event held April 22 at the Texas A&M Foundation in the Jon L. Hagler Center. Geology & Geophysics Assistant Department Head Bruce Herbert recognized the G&G students.

All ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars are full-time students with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25 and majoring in a discipline recruited by ConocoPhillips (typically business, engineering and geosciences). Additionally, students are asked to demonstrate leadership abilities, involvement in organizations, and an interest in a career in the energy industry. Sophomores through graduate students are eligible to apply for the $5,000 renewable scholarships.

A distinctive element of the SPIRIT Scholars Program is that once selected, funding continues until graduation as long as the student maintains all continuation requirements. Another unique feature is that enrichment activities for students in the program are arranged throughout the year such as career development and leadership seminars, community service projects, cultural and sporting events, and visits to ConocoPhillips locations.

Many SPIRIT Scholars also intern with ConocoPhillips, although that is not a requirement of the program. Students who successfully complete a ConocoPhillips internship, however, become eligible for a $1,000 scholarship upgrade for each internship completed. To learn more about the SPIRIT Scholars program visit http://www.conocophillips.com/careers/UnivRecruit/careerdev/spirit/index.htm.