Grand Rapids, Michigan (August 25, 2005) - Ask Aquinas College student Jennifer Coulon what she did on her summer vacation and she'll gladly tell you she spent time learning about American history. Coulon, a senior history major from Rochester Hills, Michigan spent a week in the Big Apple as a finalist in the Gilder Lehrman Institute History Scholars program. She was one of 45 students selected nationwide to participate in the week-long program in June. Fifteen students nationwide were also selected to participate in a longer, six-week program.

Jason Duncan, Ph.D., professor in the department of history at Aquinas, prepared a recommendation that helped Coulon become a finalist for this very prestigious and competitive fellowship.

"I was not surprised that she had been chosen among many highly qualified applicants. From her first semester at Aquinas, Jenny has demonstrated a rare combination of qualities, including a real desire to learn history, a tremendous work ethic and a sharp intellect," stated Duncan.

Coulon, along with the other finalists, spent a week meeting with eminent history scholars, as well as history professionals outside academia and visited important archives and museums across New York City.

More than 300 undergraduate students representing 186 colleges and universities across the United States applied to participate in the Gilder Lehrman Institute History Scholars Program. The Institute was founded in 1994 to promote the study and love of American history.