VCU student named Gates Foundation Millennium Scholar

By BeeGee Brem
University News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — On June 8, Virginia Commonwealth University doctoral student Brandy N. Rutledge found herself seated next to computer guru Bill Gates at a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation news conference in Seattle, Wash. Gates had invited Rutledge to attend the news conference naming her among the first 20 students of the inaugural class of 4,100 Gates Millennium Scholars, chosen from more than 62,000 applicants.

From among the 20 scholars present, the foundation chose Rutledge and three others to speak to the gathering of media and business professionals. Rutledge expressed her gratitude to teachers, family, and especially her mother, always supportive and the first to encourage Rutledge to apply for the scholarship. She thanked the Gates Foundation for providing her the opportunity to pursue her advanced degree without the pressure of financial barriers.

Rutledge completed undergraduate studies at Norfolk State University on a full scholarship from the Dozoretz National Institute for Minorities in Applied Sciences. She just completed her first year in the doctoral program in the Department of Biostatistics at VCU.

"I chose VCU because it was relatively close to my home, and I could go straight from undergraduate work to the doctoral program," Rutledge said. "I’m glad I did because I have really benefited from the applied part of the program, actually working in the practical application of biostatistics."

Rutledge and other millennium scholars will receive funds to cover housing, tuition and book expenses not covered by financial aid. The scholarship is renewable as long as the scholar maintains a 3.0 grade point average. Additionally, the Gates Foundation will provide intellectual support, including workshops on different topics, a Web site and a chat room in order for the scholars to stay in contact with each other and the foundation.

Applicants were judged on the basis of grades, leadership skills, citizenship and financial need. The scholarship will be administered by the United Negro College Fund, in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the American Indian College Fund.

After the news conference, Rutledge briefly returned to Richmond before heading to Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., for a 10-week internship, where she will study the statistical relationship between soil moisture and its effects on flooding.