FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas and Pat Tillman Foundation are pleased to announce two students — Casey Brewster and Chris Grisham — have been selected as Tillman Military Scholars for the 2012-13 academic year.

Staff Sergeant Brewster of the Army National Guard is a biology graduate student from Mena. Staff Sergeant Grisham of the U.S. Army is a sophomore history major from Fayetteville.

The University of Arkansas is one of 14 campuses serving as a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner for the 2012-13 academic year. University Partners are selected based on their innovative servicemember-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.

As a University Partner, each institution conducts outreach to its veteran and military spouse student population and actively participates in the Tillman Military Scholar selection process. Upon selection of Tillman Military Scholars on campus, each then supports the building of community among these students, strengthening their academic and personal experience.

“Scholarship support from the Pat Tillman Foundation greatly enhances our service to student veterans,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “We have celebrated this distinguished recognition for 17 students in the past, making us a leader among the partner schools, and we are proud of each of their accomplishments and contributions. We anticipate continued growth in our efforts to make higher education accessible to veterans, and the foundation’s generosity is an important factor as we plan for our future.”

In 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation established the Tillman Military Scholars program to support educational opportunities for servicemembers and military families by bridging the financial gaps left by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Military families face numerous challenges during the transition from military to civilian life and have unique needs that often prevent members from successfully completing a degree. As a result, Tillman Military Scholars receive financial support to not only cover traditional study-related expenses such as tuition and books, but also other needs, including but not limited to housing, transportation and childcare. In providing this support, the Pat Tillman Foundation aims to remove any and all obstacles that would otherwise prohibit academic success.

Over the past four years, the Pat Tillman Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarship funds to 230 Tillman Military Scholars pursuing education at every level from freshman undergraduates to doctoral candidates. Overall, Tillman Military Scholars represent 71 different institutions across 34 states.

“We received 1,280 applicants this year, and with support from our selection committee, narrowed these applicants down to 59 outstanding candidates to join the fourth class of Tillman Military Scholars,” said Hunter I. Riley, director of programs at the Pat Tillman Foundation. “These scholars represent leadership in the military, classroom and community, and we’re proud to invest in their education and support them in making a positive impact into the future.”

About the Pat Tillman Foundation

Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Tillman’s death in 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Tillman’s legacy and pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing educational support and resources to veterans, active service members and their spouses. Inspired by Tillman’s attributes of leadership, passion for education and spirit of service, the foundation annually awards educational scholarships through Tillman Military Scholars program. To date, the foundation has provided over $3.2 million in scholarships to 230 active servicemembers, veterans and dependents. For more information, visit: www.pattillmanfoundation.org.