Recent News April2009

THREE-PEAT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING STUDENT

Sarah Welch, a graduate student in the Regional and City Planning department in the College of Architecture, recently received a WTS scholarship. She out-competed applicants from many colleges and universities in Oklahoma and North Texas area. She is the third scholarship recipient from the Regional and City Planning student to achieve this prestigious award, in the past three years. This program is demanding attention through awards and recognitions, and Sarah is no exception.
“I was overwhelmed by the prestige of the award,” says Welch. “I was so proud to carry the OU banner to Dallas.” Welch is the third Wanda J. Schafer scholarship recipient from OU Regional and City Planning in a row.
WTS, Women’s Transportation Seminar, is dedicated to transforming the transportation industry through the advancement of women. They offer networking, professional development and leadership opportunities for women in transportation.
The Wanda J. Schafer scholarship was established in 2002 and is open to students interested in pursuing a career in a transportation-related field. They must be in a graduate program in certain colleges and universities in Texas and Oklahoma.
Sarah will graduate in December 2009 with a concentration in Transportation Planning. She serves as the secretary of the Student Planning Organization (SPA) and works part-time for the Oklahoma City Planning Department. Her goal is to become a city/transportation planner. She hopes to create walkable, bike and transit friendly cities. “I hope to continue working in the Oklahoma City area and, with the assistance of a previous OU Wanda J. Shafer award winner, start a local WTS chapter,” says Welch.  
WTS also offers undergraduate and leadership scholarships in addition to graduate scholarships to encourage women to pursue careers in transportation. For more information, visit their website at www.wtsinternational.org.