SALEM, Mass. - U.S. News &World Report magazine has named Andrew Latham, a senior chemistry major at Salem State College, the recipient of a $3,000 graduate fellowship award.

The announcement was made this week on the U.S. News and World Report Web site and will be published in an upcoming edition of the magazine.

A lifelong Lynn resident and graduate of Lynn English High School, Latham placed second in a national essay contest sponsored by the magazine. "I'm thrilled," said Latham, who has been accepted into the doctorate program at Penn State University. "I entered the contest, but realistically I wasn't expecting to be a winner."

The recognition comes in addition to another national honor for Latham. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently presented its 2003-04 Award of Excellence to Latham. He will receive $1,500 to pursue his doctorate.

Phi Kappa Phi is the oldest and among the most distinguished national honor societies dedicated to the promotion of excellence in higher education.

Latham entered Salem State College's honors program in 1999 with a Paul Tsongas scholarship. He is the fourth member of his immediate family to pursue a degree at Salem State College.

The announcement of the U.S. News & World Report scholarship winners can be viewed at www.usnews.com/usnews/usinfo/scholarship/grad_scholarship_2003_winners.htm