Support the Elliott Cheu ASEMS Scholarship Endowment

As we celebrate all the ways that Dr. Cheu has impacted the College of Science during his time in the Dean’s Office, there is no group of individuals closer to his heart than its students. His commitment to enhancing the student experience has touched the lives of countless emerging scientists and numerous programs across the university.

One such program, Arizona’s Science, Engineering and Math Scholars Program (ASEMS), supports a diverse pool of students from populations that are underrepresented in STEM fields. This includes first-generation college students, students from low-income households, those who transferred from community colleges, and students from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities and students with disabilities. The program delivers a holistic suite of student services:

• culturally responsive and asset-based academic and career advising and mentorship
• a structured STEM learning community
• STEM identity development and career exploration through undergraduate research and internships
• tailored free services such as tutoring, emergency funds, graduate school preparation and financial aid advising.

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Relative to their peers who do not experience the program’s robust support and mentoring, ASEMS scholars are more likely to stay enrolled and are more likely to graduate into the STEM professions of their choice. In fact, 90% of ASEMS Scholars remain enrolled at UArizona over four years, compared to only 68% of traditional students and 56% of first generation and low-income peers. Similarly, 81% of ASEMS Scholars persist in STEM over four years, compared to 55% of traditional students and 49% of first generation and low-income peers.

“ASEMS mentors gave me support I needed when I didn’t know I needed it… Without them, I don’t think I would be graduating.” – Alyssa, ASEMS Scholar

Since its grassroots beginnings in 2011, when it started with a small group of faculty and only 12 students, the program has grown substantially. ASEMS now supports more than 400 students across the university’s STEM majors. First as the College of Science’s associate dean of students and later as the interim dean, Dr. Cheu has supported and inspired the ASEMS staff and advocated for investment in its students as the program grew.

“Dr. Cheu has been a steadfast supporter of ASEMS from its inception and the program would not be where it is today without his support.” – Nura Dualeh, ASEMS Director

Dr. Cheu has left an indelible mark on the college and its students during his time in the Dean’s Office. In that same spirit, this scholarship endowment will support ASEMS scholars for generations to come.