Letter from Charles Kruger
Professor Kruger was Vice Provost and Dean of Research and Graduate Policy from 1993-2003. Largely responsible for the design and implementation of the Stanford Graduate Fellowships program, Professor Kruger's sentiments, as expressed in this letter, are as valid for those who will become the 2006 Stanford Graduate Fellows as they have been for the 1002 Fellows from years 1997-2005.

Dear Fellows,

The Stanford Graduate Fellowships program is an innovative approach to supporting graduate students in science and engineering and a means by which Stanford attracts more of the best scholars to its departments.

Each of you was nominated for a Stanford Graduate Fellowship by your department. As with all fellowships, the competition was tough, and only the most promising students were nominated and then selected by a university-wide committee.

Stanford Graduate Fellowships are a reality because of the generosity of Stanford alumni and friends who have given $200 million to endow more than three hundred and thirty fellowships. Each year Stanford University awards approximately 100 of these three-year fellowships, providing recipients financial support that is independent of any particular research project or faculty grant. By allowing Fellows to pursue freely their academic goals and to fulfill their intellectual and personal aspirations, faculty across the university foresee many opportunities for the Stanford Graduate Fellows to develop important and creative research.

Many of those who contributed Stanford Graduate Fellowships are leaders of the high-tech industry. These executives know the quality of Stanford graduates and appreciate the contributions many have made to the technological and economic success of Silicon Valley and the country. Many Stanford Graduate Fellows are honored with a named fellowship, as designated by the donor, and some Fellows may have an occasion to meet fellowship donors.

I would like to congratulate you on being selected to the program. I hope and trust that you will make the most of your time here at Stanford, and I wish you the best.

Charles Kruger
Vice Provost and Dean of Research and Graduate Policy