The College of Engineering and Mineral Resources is assisting promising freshman students with the cost of higher education through the Bjornson Book Scholarships.

“ With the escalating cost of education, the importance of scholarships and financial aid cannot be overstated,”said CEMR Dean Gene Cilento.”Recruiting is a challenge and the college needs to work with the University and state in preparing the best financial aid package to attract academically talented students.”

This year, the college awarded 52 incoming freshman engineering students with Bjornson Book Scholarships of $700 each. All incoming students who received the Blue and Gold Scholarships of $2,500 from WVU were offered the scholarship.

To recognize the accomplishments of freshmen, the college also awarded 27 Bjornson Book Scholarships of $350 each. Scholarship recipients were selected by the College Scholarship Committee on a competitive basis, and only freshmen who maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.5 at the end of the spring semester were eligible.

“A student scholarship is the gift of a lifetime the college can give,”said Associate Dean Afzel Noore, who oversees the scholarships for the college.”It is a win-win situation for the college and the students. For the student, it builds self-esteem and opens new learning and growth opportunities. For the college, it is the ability to engage highly qualified students in stimulating classroom discussions and take pride in the studentsaccomplishments.”

Scholarship recipient Steven J. Epifano from Marlton, N.J., was pleased with the award and believes the money will be of great assistance.”Every little bit helps, and if I dont have to pay for books, then that will help me immensely.”

Cilento said a college goal is to establish through private fund-raising several endowed book scholarships for students who show academic promise and financial need.