This scholarship has been established in the memories of Newell Choice Cook Sr., and Newell Choice Cook Jr., by the generous donations of Kathleen L. Cook, Nancy C. Behforouz, and Mohammad Behforouz. The purpose of the scholarship is to help promote and reward excellence among students studying in the fields of Microbiology and Organic Chemistry at Ball State and carry on the spirit of scholarship and learning that embodies the lives and legacies of Newell C. Cook Sr., and Jr.
Both father and son were scholars in their own fields of chemistry and municipal finance. They were avid and eclectic readers and learned in many other subjects ranging from philosophy, astrophysics, history, geology, geography and the sciences. Both men loved to teach and both spent some part of their careers as university professors. Always inspiring speakers, they were always enthusiastic about sharing their vast knowledge and understanding with others.
Newell C. Cook Sr. was a talented and creative chemist who earned his Ph. D. as a graduate student of Frank C. Whitmore at Pennsylvania State University. He worked on the war effort during World War II and began his career in chemistry as a professor at Penn State in 1943. In 1950, he took a position as a research scientist at the Research and Development Laboratories of General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y. In his 27 years there, he earned over 25 patents and was the author of numerous publications including one in the Scientific American in 1969 concerning his "metalliding" process. Newell Senior was also an involved citizen working tirelessly in local politics, a master craftsman in woodworking, and an avid historian of the Bible as well as a self-taught authority on the creation of the universe.
Newell C. Cook Jr. was also a scholar of many talents who received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1971 and a law degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1979. In the 70's and 80's, he worked in city government in Boston, Mass., serving as tax collector and auditor. In his career, he also worked on various political campaigns as a financial officer for public broadcasting station WGBH in Boston, as a financial consultant for several Massachusetts municipalities, including the city of Springfield, and as a financial manager for the international real estate firm of Cabot, Cabot, and Forbes.
In the 1990's, following the collapse of the soviet Union, Newell served as an adviser to municipal governments in Ukraine under a program sponsored by USAID. In the last year of his life he was a revered professor of business and economics at the University of Kharkov in Ukraine.
Both father and son were caring, idealistic men who felt that they could, by living exemplary lives dedicated to service, make a difference in this world. This scholarship serves as a tribute to their lives and as a reminder of their ideals and love of learning. It also is an inspiration to young scientists at the beginning of their careers.
The purpose of the fund is to provide two scholarships annually to undergraduate students in accordance with the following preferences:
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One recipient majoring in Microbiology within the Department of Biology and one recipient majoring in chemistry and doing research in organic synthesis.
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Advanced undergraduate students with 60 or more credit hours.
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Students who have an academic grade point average of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, or a similar standing on a different scale.
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Recipients must show evidence of promise in his/her chosen career.
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Candidates shall be nominated by faculty members of their respective departments.