Source: Perla Salazar, ps8@k-state.edu
Pronouncer: Trjitzinsky is terr-JIN-skee.
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-2535.
News release prepared by: Calin Cooney, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Monday, Oct. 25, 2010

MATHEMATICS STUDENT RECEIVES $3,000 SCHOLARSHIP

MANHATTAN -- Perla S. Salazar, senior in mathematics at Kansas State University, has been awarded a $3,000 Trjitzinsky Scholarship from the American Mathematical Society.

The scholarship is made possible by a donation from the estate of Waldemar J., Barbara G., and Juliette Trjitzinsky, which established a fund to assist students who may be in danger of not completing their degree in mathematics because of financial reasons.

Salazar was born in Mexico, and her family moved to Dodge City when she was 11 years old. She is the first in her family to attend college, thanks to the encouragement of her parents. Since she was very young her goal has been to graduate from a four-year university so she could help her family live a better life.

She received a Presidential Scholarship to attend Dodge City Community College, which helped pay for her tuition and fees. After graduating with honors from Dodge City she transferred to K-State. With the help of the university's Kansas Bridges and Developing Scholars programs she does undergraduate research in the mathematics department. Salazar also is part of the McNair Scholars Program, which helps prepare undergraduates for successful careers as graduate students.

"Not only have I changed from my experiences here at Kansas State, but my goals have also changed," Salazar said. "My goals are to graduate from K-State and then seek a graduate degree in mathematics."