In early August, Special Collections hosted 55 Udall Foundation Scholars from 46 colleges across the U.S. Students were selected by a 20-person review committee out of 384 candidates nominated by 172 colleges and universities.

Verónica Reyes-Escudero, Head of Special Collections, Shan Sutton, University Libraries Dean, Steve Hussman, Special Collections Librarian, and Zoe Harrison, Special Collections Graduate Assistant, discussed careers in archiving and the importance of archiving and digitizing works, speeches and personal correspondence to preserve material and make it accessible for marginalized populations and future generations.

"We serve as guardians of our history,” Reyes-Escudero said. "The Udall Collection is important documentation of insights into their vision and values, providing valuable lessons [today and tomorrow]. By making the collection accessible, researchers, educators, and students can delve into the historical context. We are committed to the information needs of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities with an emphasis on Latino, Native American and Black populations, and...intersectional identities within these communities.”

Established by Congress in 1992, and named in honor of the Udall brothers, Stewart and Morris, the non-profit foundation:

• Awards scholarships, fellowships, and internships for environment-related fields of study, and to American Indians and Alaska Natives in health care- and tribal public policy-related fields of study
• Gives funding to the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, and to the Native Nations Institute to conduct environmental policy research, research on American Indian and Alaska Native health care issues and tribal public policy issues, and training
• Provides assessment, mediation, training, and other related services through the John S. McCain III National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution (National Center or NCECR)

Of the 2023 cohort:

• 37 scholars intend to pursue careers related to the environment.
• 9 Native American/Alaska Native scholars intend to pursue careers related to Tribal public policy.
• 9 Native American/Alaska Native scholars intend to pursue careers related to Native health care.
• 55 Honorable Mentions were recognized.

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Special Collections Stewart L Udall Papers

Special Collections Morris K Udall Papers