Gee, Thanks Dick...

I just got this e-mail in my inbox (text follows). It's very hard to keep the snarky comments at bay. VERY HARD. I will say one thing though, is it a surprise to anyone that the Cheyene's aren't hurting for cash?

Cheneys Create Unprecedented Study Abroad Endowment

July 20, 2007 -- U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, have created for the University of Wyoming the largest single-university endowment dedicated to study abroad support.
They presented $1.8 million, an amount matched by the state of Wyoming, to establish scholarships promoting internationalization in education. Dick Cheney earned both a B.A. (1965) and an M.A. (1966) in political science from UW. Lynne Cheney received a bachelor's degree from Colorado College, a master's degree from the University of Colorado and a doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin.

"This gift shows a keen appreciation for the importance of our students having meaningful global experiences," says UW President Tom Buchanan. "From its inception, our Academic Plan has stressed the need to secure financing that will allow more UW students to study abroad. This generous scholarship program will help us accomplish that goal and put UW on the path to ensuring opportunity for all of our students to gain global agility and understanding."

UW is a substantial player in international education and has ties to universities on every continent except Antarctica, says Anne Alexander, UW International Programs Office director. As the university continues to add partners abroad, UW international programs are experiencing unprecedented participation.

"Our students have been going abroad at increasing rates, with a 400 percent program growth in the last four years," says Alexander. "This past academic year, more than 400 students participated in UW international programs in such varied locations as China, India, Ghana, Tunisia, and Russia, along with the traditional European destinations."

The endowment will support four scholarship categories: Cheney Study Abroad Grants, Dick and Lynne Cheney Fellowships for Excellence in Study Abroad, Dick and Lynne Cheney International Awards for University Sponsored or Recognized Student Organizations, and Cheney Semester Support Scholarships.

Cheney Study Abroad Grants will assist with travel costs to the study destination and other costs incurred abroad. Applications for spring study are due Oct. 1. Deadlines for summer and fall study will be announced this fall.

Dick and Lynne Cheney Fellowships for Excellence in Study Abroad will be awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate student with a history of academic excellence and potential to make significant contributions to their fields through international study or research. Applications for spring study are due Oct. 1, applications for summer or fall study are due March 15.

Dick and Lynne Cheney International Awards for University Sponsored or Recognized Student Organizations will support groups traveling abroad for academic reasons. Projects focused on advancing UW internationalization goals will be considered. Applications are due March 1.

Cheney Semester Support Scholarships will assist students who may exhaust financial aid by studying abroad. Applications are due Oct. 1 for spring study and March 1 for fall or summer study.

For additional information or applications, call Alexander at (307) 766-3677, e-mail aalex@uwyo.edu, or visit Knight Hall Room 248.

Update: Apparently Dick gets to be president this Saturday. I wonder what Vegas says about the odds of a war with Iran coinciding with Saturday?