FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Pat Tillman Foundation in Tempe, Ariz., has awarded $70,000 for the 2009-10 academic year to 12 students at the University of Arkansas. This amount is the largest awarded to any of the foundation’s university partners. More than 500 applications were reviewed from institutions across the country, and 52 Tillman Military Scholars were chosen for the inaugural year of the foundation’s program.

“The goal of the Tillman Military Scholars program is to assist service members and their families in pursuing their educational goals and help them continue their service to this nation,” said Marie Tillman, chair of the board of directors of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “The University of Arkansas is among several institutions leading the way in bettering the services and opportunities for veterans and their families. The Pat Tillman Foundation is honored to be a part of their efforts and provide scholarships to the service members and families that these programs work to support.”

The scholarship recipients are Steven Byron, Tracy Curtis, Russell Curtis, Lucas Finch, Jed Hefner, Peter Hilton, Arthur Leal, Daniel Lindsay, Manuel Medina, Emile Phaneuf, Joshua Stewart and Jebediah Williams.

The students who have more than one year of school remaining will be eligible for scholarship renewal. Renewability is contingent on the students maintaining a 3.0 grade point average, remaining enrolled full-time and completing at least 10 hours of community service per semester. The service component can be as simple as volunteering or as dedicated as spearheading efforts for a cause that is important to the student.

“This support is extremely important to the University of Arkansas as we continue our strong agenda for being a welcoming community for men and women that serve our country in the military,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “It is a proud moment for the University of Arkansas to see so many of our students selected for this distinguished award. The generosity of the Pat Tillman Foundation will have a positive, lasting impact on a very deserving community, and I know our students will represent the mission and vision of this scholarship program well.”

The Pat Tillman Foundation was created by Tillman’s family and friends after his death in April 2004. Following his career as a fan favorite with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, he joined the U.S. Army and was killed during active duty in eastern Afghanistan. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the foundation's mission is to carry forward Tillman’s legacy of leadership and service by providing veterans and their families with the necessary resources and support to improve their own lives and to continue serving their country.