University of Maryland Announces 2009 Tillman Military Scholars

College Park, Md. -- In the inaugural year of the Tillman Military Scholarship, the University of Maryland, in association with the Pat Tillman Foundation, has awarded eight UM students scholarships for embodying the characteristics of leadership displayed by Pat Tillman. Each recipient shows significant potential to greatly improve his or her community upon graduation.

The 2009 recipients are undergraduate students David Boucher, Richard Garcia, Dan Hardisty, Anton Hoffman, Lavisha McClarin, and Dennis Robinson, and graduate students Kirby Bowling and James Dillard.

The scholarships cover study-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, for veteran and active service members and their dependents. Other needs, such as child care, are also covered by the scholarship. Seven of UM's eight recipients are currently or were previously members of the U.S. military. The other recipient is the daughter of a current member of the U.S. Army.

According to Steve Olivera, coordinator of the Veterans Program Office and member of the Tillman Military Scholar Selection Committee, "The heroism of Pat Tillman spoke volumes of his character. We looked for scholars who practice every day leadership and have passion to pursue goals that improve communities on grand scales. They represent character from which heroes are made and we look forward to great accomplishments from them."

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 Arizona Cardinals, Tillman joined the U.S. Army and was killed during active duty in Afghanistan. The Foundation's mission is to carry on Pat'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.

"The goal of the Tillman Military Scholars program is to assist service members and their families in pursuing their educational goals, and to help them continue their service to this nation," states Pat Tillman Foundation Chair of the Board of Directors, Marie Tillman. "The University of Maryland 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."

One of four universities to partner with the Pat Tillman Foundation, Maryland has been working to address the needs of veterans through the university's Veterans Initiative. The Pat Tillman Foundation learned of this initiative through Katie Munsch, a UM graduate assistant and Tillman Scholar from Arizona State University. Through Munsch, the Foundation considered Maryland and eventually selected the university as a site for its inaugural Tillman Military Scholars.

According to Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, chair of the UM Tillman Military Scholars selection committee, "Pat Tillman considered himself an 'everyday leader' and we learned during our selection process that our eight recipients also have extraordinary qualities as leaders. All of our Tillman Military Scholars have contributed their intellect and leadership to the university and they each have left their mark on their families and communities. These are role models who have and will continue to make us proud. How honored we are to partner with the Tillman Foundation in honoring their many contributions."

Click here to learn more about Maryland's 2009 Tillman Military Scholars

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