Contact: Mel Torre
Phone: (212) 591-8157
E-mail: torrem@asme.org 

NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2003 - The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME International) has awarded Emily J. Catalano, a resident of Wilmington, Del. and graduating senior from Ursuline Academy (Wilmington), the ASME FIRST Staff Scholarship.

The scholarship, made possible through the contributions of ASME staff, recognizes a high school senior whose FIRST experience has inspired them to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a multinational robotics competition, founded in 1992, to inspire an appreciation of science and technology among young people.

Catalano, the first to participate in the competition from the all-girls' high school, was presented with the $2,000 award, today, at a ceremony held at ASME International headquarters in New York City. She will attend Villanova University, as a mechanical engineering major, this fall.

ASME International is a 120,000-member organization focused on technical, educational and research issues. ASME conducts one of the world's largest technical publishing operations, holds numerous technical conferences worldwide, and offers hundreds of professional development courses each year. ASME sets internationally recognized industrial and manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public welfare and safety.