ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell University has announced that 19 of its undergraduate students will receive a scholarship for up to four years -- the 2004 Howard Milstein Scholarship in Arts and Sciences -- based on academic accomplishment and financial need.

The annual scholarship, funded by a gift from Cornell alumnus Howard Milstein, was established in 2000 to enhance the Cornell College of Arts and Sciences' ability to attract and enroll some of the world's most intellectually able students.

"Without additional financial aid, some of the best candidates for admission might not have come to Cornell," said Milstein. "We're pleased to provide that extra boost to ensure that Cornell gets the best and the brightest students, regardless of their family's financial situation."

The scholarship includes up to $14,000 in loan-replacement funds, or up to $3,500 per year, plus a $500 per year book award. It is awarded annually to up to 20 of the College of Arts and Sciences' Dean's Scholars, chosen by the college, based on financial need. Additionally, Milstein scholarship holders are eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in support of a summer research, scholarship or another creative proposal following their sophomore or junior years.

This year's Milstein scholars are an impressive group of students who are involved in many activities on campus, have won numerous other awards and scholarships and are active in volunteer and public-service work.

The scholarship winners, all from the College of Arts and Sciences, are: Emily Adelman, a senior from Charlotte, N.C.; Clair Anderson, a sophomore from Lexington, Ky.; Matthew Bordegaray, a junior from Albuquerque, N.M.; Young Chang, a sophomore from Pleasant Hill, Calif.; Bryan Cody, a sophomore from Williamston, Mich.; Aaron Herzog, a junior from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Jin Young Hwang, a sophomore from Los Angeles, Calif.; Russell Jones, a sophomore from Round Rock, Tex.; David Lavender, a freshman from Kamuela, Hawaii; Hannah Maxson, a sophomore from Ithaca, N.Y.; Rosemary Paddock, a sophomore from Hancock, Vt.; Jason Ramsey, a sophomore from New Sharon, Maine; Adam Schnabel, a sophomore from Needham, Mass.; Benjamin Stiglitz, a junior from Bellerose Manor, N.Y.; Alexandra Wiktorek, a sophomore from Olympia, Wash.; Lindsay Wilczynski, a junior from Valparaiso, Ind.; Leo Wong, a sophomore from Arcadia, Calif.; Xiaomeng Yang, a senior from Peekskill, N.Y.; and Audrey Yiadom, a senior from Landover Hills, Md.

Milstein, a 1973 Cornell alumnus and a prominent entrepreneur, is president and CEO of Emigrant Savings Bank and managing partner of Milstein Properties, a major real estate developer in New York. He remains deeply involved with Cornell, devoting more than a day a week of his time through his service as a trustee emeritus, presidential counselor and on a range of Cornell boards, committees and advisory groups.