UC Irvine's first recipient of the George Mitchell Scholarship, Brittany Schick, is being honored by the California State Assembly with a resolution commending "her exemplary record of academic and civic leadership."

The senior honors student, who will graduate with a commission in the U.S. Air Force, is recognized in a resolution submitted by Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine). DeVore will present the signed proclamation to Schick at a special ceremony at UCI Wednesday, March 23, with attendees including Chancellor Ralph J. Cicerone and Dean of Undergraduate Education Meredith Lee.

"Brittany is an outstanding young woman who exemplifies the ambition and vision of a successful leader," said DeVore. "The fact that she was one of only 12 students chosen for the George Mitchell Scholarship out of 220 applicants from 166 universities, speaks volumes. I have no doubt that Brittany will someday be in a position where she will significantly contribute even more to the betterment of our society."

Schick, a political science and international studies double major with an interest in national intelligence, is a recipient of the 2006 Mitchell scholarship, which is named for the former U.S. Senator from Maine who was instrumental in the Northern Ireland peace process. The scholarship provides for her study toward a master's of international relations at Dublin City University.

Schick completed honors research on 21st century security challenges with Professor Richard Matthew. She says she wants to bridge the gap between academic and military research on security issues. Inspired by her father who was a fighter pilot, Schick participates in the Air Force ROTC program at UCLA -- regularly making the 90-mile round trip from Irvine for training. After completing her graduate study, she plans a career in public service career with the Defense Intelligence Agency.

"I appreciate the time Assemblyman Chuck DeVore has invested in honoring me with this resolution from the California State Assembly," said Schick. "I am especially proud to receive this recognition from a fellow member of the armed service who also believes in the importance of serving your country both through the profession of arms and as a public servant."

Schick has held numerous leadership positions with AFROTC, including vice wing commander, flight commander, Arnold Air Society Squadron Commander, and training director. She has also interned for Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert (R-Illinois), in her home state of Illinois.


About the University of California, Irvine: The University of California, Irvine is a top-ranked public university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Founded in 1965, UCI is among the fastest-growing University of California campuses, with more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students and about 1,400 faculty members. The second-largest employer in dynamic Orange County, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $3 billion.



NOTE TO EDITORS: To attend the 4 p.m. event, contact Christine Byrd at (949) 824-9055 or cbyrd@uci.edu.