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The UT Austin College of Natural Sciences is pleased to announce a new scholarship endowment named for Professor of Chemistry David Laude. Professor Laude is a pioneer in the university’s efforts to improve retention and student success, and has been instrumental in raising the overall graduation rate in the College of Natural Sciences by 39 percentage points in just seven years.
In his time at UT, Professor Laude has also created or helped create the Freshman Research Initiative, the Biology Scholars Program, the University Leadership Network, and the Texas Interdisciplinary Plan (TIP), which together have served thousands of students. He is nationally recognized as a champion for undergraduates, and we want to honor his enduring commitment to our students with this named scholarship.
The talented students who receive the David Laude Scholarship will be recruited to the TIP Scholars Program. TIP is an academic learning community that promotes academic excellence in the College of Natural Sciences, providing a supportive but challenging environment that helps incoming students from all backgrounds succeed.
TIP provides small class sizes in entry-level science courses, excellent instructors, enriched curriculum, extra discussion sections, and peer mentors to augment instruction and help students acclimate to university life. In addition, TIP provides opportunities for students to enhance their learning and build their resumés and professional networks through study abroad trips, research, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. Since it began in 1999, this program has supported more than 5,800 students, many of whom are from underrepresented communities such as small high schools, families with low incomes, first-generation college students, and underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.
Thank you for your support of Laude Scholars – tomorrow’s leaders for Texas, our nation, and the world!
