Student Veterans and Dependents Receive Support From Pat Tillman Foundation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- Support from the Pat Tillman Foundation in Tempe, Ariz., for veterans or veterans dependents who are University of Arkansas students continues for the 2010-11 academic year. Eight students were awarded a total of $24,500 from the foundation.

Last year, the inaugural year for the Tillman Military Scholars program, the foundation awarded $70,000 to 12 students at the University of Arkansas, which was the greatest amount awarded to any of the foundation's university partners.

Five awards were renewed from last year: Stephen Byron, Jed Hefner, Daniel Lindsay, Emile Phaneuf and Jebediah Williams and three new awards were given to Joel Dixon, Candice Hill and Ryan Reynolds.

"It is important that our nation's heroes and their families feel equipped to excel at the University of Arkansas, and financial stability is a part of that preparation," said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. "I am grateful for the continued support of the Pat Tillman Foundation to aid our students through this transition, and I am hopeful that the Tillman Military Scholars are able to complete their chosen degree programs because of this additional financial support."

The students who have more than one year of school remaining are 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.

"The support from the Pat Tillman Foundation is extremely helpful to our students," said Erika Gamboa, director of the university's Veterans Resource and Information Center. "Military benefits do not necessarily cover all expenses for our students who are veterans or dependents of veterans. For many of them, the benefits fall short of covering cost of living, gas, books all the necessities. That's where this kind of scholarship money makes a difference. Students can focus on their studies rather than on their financial struggles. And the volunteer requirement keeps them actively involved, which is a bonus."

Recent data show there are 550-600 students at the University of Arkansas currently receiving military benefits. This number is not official, however, because not all student veterans self-identify and, therefore, do not receive benefits.

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.