Academics People and Community

University of Miami Welcomes Class of 2021 Stamps Scholars

UM students awarded prestigious Stamps Scholarships.
Stamp Scholars with President Julio Frenk

The University of Miami welcomes nine new Stamps Scholars from across the country for the 2017-2018 academic year. Stamps Scholars are chosen for their strong leadership potential, academic merit, outstanding talent and exceptional character. The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation supports promising students who are eager to make their contributions to the world and have the work ethic to make their dreams a reality. The University’s most prestigious undergraduate merit awards, Stamps Scholarships are funded by the generosity of Penny and Roe Stamps through the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation and UM. 

“Stamps Scholars have the opportunity to engage in extraordinary educational experiences at the University of Miami and around the world,” said UM President Julio Frenk. “We are grateful to Penny and Roe Stamps for their commitment to higher education and their generous support of these future leaders.” 

The Stamps Scholarship covers all expenses for four years of undergraduate study and provides additional funds to support enrichment opportunities. Other benefits of the Stamps Scholarship include: participation in a national day of service; access to a growing network of scholars and alumni; and opportunities to attend biennial conventions, where Scholars are able to network with one another and learn from recognized leaders.

Four incoming freshmen have been selected as Stamps Scholars across a range of disciplines at the University of Miami. These scholars include: Paula DaSilva, Medley, Fla., microbiology and immunology; Gabriela Lee, Palmetto Bay, Fla., medical anthropology; Kinnon McGrath, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, international studies; and Robert Shore, Charlotte, N.C., physics.

“Being a Stamps Scholar has empowered me to seek new leadership, research and study abroad opportunities at the University of Miami. I'm honored to be part of such a bright and inspiring cohort and hope to deliver on the promise the Stamps Foundation sees in me,” DaSilva said.

Five incoming freshmen have been selected as Stamps Scholars at the University of Miami’s Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music. These talented students benefit from a unique transformative academic and musical experience, and represent the Frost School when they perform at prestigious venues.

Stamp Scholars Flash the U

The incoming Frost School of Music Stamps Scholars are Jered Byford, Snoqualmie, Wash.; Marcello Carelli, Bedford Hills, N.Y.; Maxwell Schwartz, Berkeley, Calif.; David Sneider, Hartsdale, N.Y.; Timothy Watson, Lexington, Mass.

As Studio Jazz Instrumental majors, the freshmen scholars make up the Stamps Jazz Quintet. The Stamps Distinguished Ensembles also include the Stamps String Quartet, the Stamps Woodwind Quintet and the Stamps Brass Quintet.

“Being selected as a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar has allowed me to fully pursue my passion for jazz. I now have the tremendous opportunity to learn and grow as a musician with four other extremely talented musicians,” said Carelli, a jazz percussionist. “To be able to do all of that while not having to worry about paying off debt as I eventually start my career in music is incredible and life changing. I cannot thank the Stamps Foundation enough for this once-in-a-lifetime scholarship, as this has opened so many doors musically and academically for me at this amazing, multi-faceted university!”

The University is proud to support 36 Stamps Scholars in their academic pursuits, including Miami Hurricanes Baseball pitcher Evan McKendry, who was named the Stamps Endowed Baseball Pitcher Scholarship recipient. A native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., McKendry is enrolled in the School of Business Administration. 

“We're very excited about this new class of Stamps Scholars,” said Roe Stamps, founder and chairman of the Stamps Foundation. “A hearty congratulations to the University of Miami for selecting and attracting such a wonderful group of students.”

Penny and Roe Stamps served as campaign vice chairs for Momentum2: The Breakthrough Campaign for the University of Miami. Roe is a member of UM’s Board of Trustees and the Visiting Committee at the Frost School of Music, and also served on the Presidential Search Committee.

- www.news.miami.edu -

The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of our diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.

About The Stamps Family Charitable Foundation

In 2006, Penny and Roe Stamps created merit scholarship programs for undergraduates at their alma maters – The University of Michigan and Georgia Tech. Since then, the Stamps Scholars community has grown into a nationwide network of colleges and universities with more than 1,600 current and alumni Scholars. Learn more at StampsFoundation.org.