Levine Engineering Scholars

UNC Charlotte has admitted its first class of 15 Levine Scholars, including two who will be joining The William States Lee College of Engineering in fall 2010.

The Levine Scholarships are made possible by philanthropists Leon and Sandra Levine, who committed $9.3 million to UNC Charlotte for the merit scholarship program to develop community service leaders. Leon Levine is the founder and chairman emeritus of Matthews, NC-based Family Dollar Stores.

The students joining the college of engineering are Samuel McClenney from Cary, NC, and Jonathan Wainwright from Allegany, NY.

This year’s recipients were selected through a lengthy nomination and interview process. More than 1,000 high school seniors from 25 states were nominated by their schools.

“The Levine Scholars who are joining the Lee College this fall are some of the most talented high school seniors from around the United States,” said Lee College of Engineering Dean Bob Johnson. “Their academic records demonstrate both excellence and leadership. They will impact our entire program by cultivating a higher level of performance from all of our students.”

It is the inaugural year for the prestigious merit scholarship program, which covers the cost of tuition and fees, housing and meals, books, a laptop computer and summer experiences. The value of the scholarship is estimated at $90,000 for each in-state student and $140,000 for each out-of-state student over four years.