SUNY Cortland Senior Receives Scholarship From Archaeological Association

CORTLAND, NY (07/02/2008)(readMedia)-- Angela Wilde-Johnson, a student at SUNY Cortland will receive the 2008 Daniel H. Weiskotten Supplementary Scholarship Award given by the William M. Beauchamp Chapter of the New York State Archaeological Association.

The William M. Beauchamp Chapter, located in Syracuse, N.Y., awarded Wilde-Johnson a $500 scholarship and one year's membership in the New York State Archaeological Association.

"It was a very kind, unexpected gesture," said Wilde-Johnson, a senior anthropology major from Cortland, N.Y. "I am very honored by it."

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a New York resident enrolled in an accredited New York state college or university undergraduate anthropology or history program who intends a career in archaeology.

The New York State Archaeological Association is a non-profit organization composed of people interested in various phases of archaeology in New York state. Founded in 1916 and chartered in 1927 by the Board of Regents of the state of New York, the association is composed of 15 chapters and a worldwide membership-at-large.

Founded in 1974, the William M. Beauchamp Chapter is dedicated to the appreciation, understanding and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Central New York and the promotion of archaeological education. Seven SUNY Cortland students have received the scholarship since 1993.

Wilde-Johnson, a non-traditional student who was born in Sweden, first heard about the scholarship from Ellie McDowell-Loudan, professor of sociology and anthropology.

"Professional and avocational archaeologists around New York state contribute to the scholarship fund," McDowell-Loudan said. "They want to encourage undergraduate students to pursue studies in archaeology because it is worthwhile."

Outside of the classroom, Wilde-Johnson is a single mom and an advocate for the Tioghnioga River Trail Project in Cortland County. After graduation, she hopes to go to graduate school to continue studying archaeology.

For more information about the New York State Archaeological Association's William M. Beauchamp Chapter, contact McDowell-Loudan at (607) 753-2485.

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