Campus News

Westminster President Recognized for Commitment to Hispanic Students

SALT LAKE CITY - Westminster President Michael S. Bassis received the Somos Individual Award on Nov. 18, 2011, during the annual Somos Scholarship Gala hosted by the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It is only the third time in the gala’s eight-year history that an individual has been recognized for their commitment to Hispanic students in higher education.

In 2008, Bassis took a personal interest in establishing the Westminster Somos Scholar Award, the largest single scholarship that the Somos Foundation presents. Three students currently attend Westminster under the scholarship, and a fourth student received the Westminster Somos Scholar Award during this year’s gala at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

“Michael Bassis has made a significant impact on our Hispanic community by his determined efforts to make higher education more accessible to our young people,” said Robert Rendon, Somos Development Committee Chair. “He serves as a model to leaders of other educational institutions in the state of Utah. He has set the standard high and this serves as a challenge for others to meet. President Bassis did not just talk about doing something significant… he did it.”

The Westminster Somos Scholarship is awarded to an incoming undergraduate student of Hispanic descent. Recipients are required to have a minimum 3.5 high school G.P.A., be a “first generation” college student (defined as a person whose parents have not graduated from college), annually file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (F.A.F.S.A.) form and maintain a favorable standing while a student at Westminster College.

Westminster is proud to share the Somos Foundation’s vision of “empowering dreams through education” and supports the foundation’s mission to provide resources to Latino students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to education, community and have the potential to contribute to the economic development of Utah.

Media Contacts: Krista DeAngelis  & Arikka Von (801) 832-2682
Nov. 16, 2011

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow @WestminsterSLC on Twitter.