Stepping onto the sixth floor of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, it was evident something of note was taking place. Flowers adorned tables beset with hors d'oeuvres. The buzz of students, faculty and staff filled the room.

"Each person here contributed to these students in some way. That's why we're here today," said Beth Fiori, fellowship coordinator with Cornell Career Services, as she introduced the winners and their supporters at the 2006 Prestigious Fellowships Reception held May 9.

Scores of people gathered to recognize winners of such national fellowships as the Morris K. Udall and Barry M. Goldwater scholarship programs. The awardees, in turn, publicly thanked those who supported them in their quest for the honors.

Fiori explained that award recipients must have a high grade-point average and have demonstrated extracurricular involvement and community leadership. They also must endure a grueling application process that requires completing detailed essays and questionnaires and soliciting letters of recommendation from faculty members.

All of that effort, however, is just to receive a Cornell nomination. Once given the green light from the university, nominees' applications are forwarded and screened against others from across the country for the national honors. Each participating institution is limited to only a few submissions, Fiori said.

"It's a joy to join in the glory of the honors you are receiving," said Susan Murphy, Cornell vice president for student and academic services. "You represent all that Cornell students are, what they stand for and what they always will be."

Among the honorees were Goldwater scholarship winners Ankur Moitra, Eng. '07, and Floris van Breugel, CALS and Eng. '08. Named Udall scholars were Tony Marks-Block, CALS '07; Meredith Odato, CALS '08; and Matthew Perkins, Eng. '08. Each credited the support and perseverance of Fiori and Cheryl Littell of the fellowship advising program as well as others for their recommendations and encouragement.

Also acknowledged were the attending winners and honorable-mention recipients of such prestigious fellowships as the Carnegie Endowment, Commonwealth, Humanity in Action, Rhodes and Truman programs.

Scott Perez, graduate student in natural resources and a participant in the American Indian Program, received the Udall scholarship in 2001 while attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo. As co-chair of the Udall Foundation's steering committee for national service projects, Perez noted that Cornell's large number of winners was due to the work of Fiori's office. At his alma mater and many other schools, applicants could ask people to assist them but there was no structured program.

"Here, there are faculty members, people like myself and others who can work with students every step of the way," he said.