The first UT Millennium Scholars were named in summer 2000: Tiffani Saxton, a junior majoring in broadcasting; and Tiffany Grant, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering. Both were University Honors’ students.
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) program, established in 1999, was initially funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Its purpose is to promote academic excellence and to provide an opportunity for outstanding minority students with significant financial need to reach their highest potential. The program seeks to increase the representation of its targeted groups in the disciplines of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, and the sciences; and the program provides support from the baccalaureate through doctoral levels.