KINGSTON, R.I. — April 24, 2001 — Senator Jack Reed was keynote speaker in a recent ceremony to “recognize the talents and contributions of URI students and the faculty who’ve helped them achieve distinguished black scholar awards.” The awards, given annually, honor students for their outstanding contributions in the community, leadership, academic achievement, and athletic achievement. “I’m confident that they will go on from here and continue their success,” said Reed. “I’m proud that this University continues to reach out and recognize the talents of African-Americans.” Pawtucket resident Patricia Dos Santos, a double major in psychology and sociology who was recently accepted into the master’s program for criminal justice at Rutgers University received the William Gould award for all-around outstanding achievement. “I worked really hard,” said Dos Santos. “I’m proud to have received this award.” Another talented scholar was Igor Garcia, a Providence resident and major in international mechanical engineering. Garcia was surprised and flattered to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. award for outstanding leadership and contribution to the University community. “In no way whatsoever do I feel that I’ve done close to a tenth of what Dr. King had accomplished,” said Garcia. “To have my name affiliated with his is overwhelming.” Another Providence resident was Ana Semedo who expressed her sincere gratitude. “I want everybody to remember that there are many kids who don’t have the resources to make it as far as we have,” she said tearfully. “And I hope that [URI] continues the way it’s going for others.” Semedo was the Arthur L. Hardge recipient for all-around outstanding community service. A Woonsocket resident and mother of three, Kimberly Anderson earned the highest grade point average among Black seniors and received the Estes Benson award for academic achievement. “It’s nice to be recognized for all the effort I’ve put in,” she said. “It’s a good feeling.” URI President Robert L. Carothers extended his congratulations to the students: “I want you all to remember when you leave this University and go out into the world that you can contact us and keep in touch,” Carothers said. “We want you to continue to be a part of the URI family forever.” In addition to Dos Santos, Garcia, Semedo, and Anderson, the six other scholar recipients are: Abner Correia, Providence resident and Sojourner Truth Award recipient for scholarly persistence and dedication; Michael Lyle, Narragansett resident and Estes Benson Award recipient for academic achievement; Zinobia Machanguana, Kingston resident and Althea Gibson Award recipient for athletic achievement; Marlon Mussington, Brooklyn, N.Y. resident and Harvey Robert Turner Award recipient for outstanding service to the URI Black Community; and Maple Heights, Ohio resident Andrew Wafula and Kingston resident Leroy “Tiger” Womack, Jackie Robinson Award recipients for athletic achievement. For Information: Jan Sawyer, 874-2116, Keith Marshall, 874-2116