Supporting Veterans: Pat Tillman Foundation Provides $44,000 for Operation Education Scholars
Wednesday, September 2
MOSCOW, Idaho – The Pat Tillman Foundation has awarded a total of $44,000 to three University of Idaho students as part of the Operation Education Scholarship Program.
The University of Idaho is one of just four institutions nationwide to receive funding from the foundation's Tillman Military Scholars program.
“The goal of the Tillman Military Scholars program is to assist servicemembers and their families in pursuing their educational goals and help them continue their service to this nation,” said Marie Tillman, chair of the Pat Tillman Foundation Board of Directors. “The University of Idaho 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 servicemembers and families that these programs work to support.”
Pat Tillman was an American football player who left a fulfilling career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army in May 2002. He joined the U.S. Army Rangers and served multiple tours in combat, advancing to corporal. He was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in April 2004.
While the funding is provided solely for the 2009-10 academic year, the Pat Tillman Foundation left the door open for one of the scholars, a first-year Executive MBA student, to have funding renewed for the final year of the EMBA program. If the scholarship is renewed, it would bring the award total to $67,000. The other two scholars should complete their studies this year.
"The support from the Pat Tillman Foundation signifies that we are on the right track in serving disabled veterans," said Bruce Pitman, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. "A college degree, particularly with changing economic situations, can provide a more stable future for veterans and their families. We are honored to give back to them in this way."
The University of Idaho's Operation Education Scholarship program provides comprehensive financial, academic and social support to veterans who were disabled while on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
The university currently assists nine veterans with disability through Operation Education. Three scholars, including two of the Tillman Military Scholars, will graduate in May 2010.
The program provides scholarship assistance for tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Customized academic and social support includes such things as testing and classroom accommodations, adaptive equipment, tutoring and academic coaching, family and individual counseling, and peer group networking.
Another distinctive aspect of Operation Education is that veterans’ spouses also may apply, jointly or individually, to receive the benefits of the Operation Education scholarship program.
The university recently was recognized by G.I. Jobs as a Military Friendly School. It also is a partner in the U.S. Office of Veterans Affairs' Yellow Ribbon Program to provide additional college funding for veterans.
Major funding for Operation Education comes from the private support of University of Idaho alumni and friends, as well as from individuals, corporations and foundations, such as the Pat Tillman Foundation, who share the university's interest in assisting America's disabled veterans. Gifts in support of Operation Education may be made by calling the University of Idaho at (208) 885-5304.
To learn more about Operation Education, request an application or make an online gift, visit www.uidaho.edu/operationeducation.
# # #
About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
About the Pat Tillman Foundation
The Pat Tillman Foundation was created by Pat's family and friends, after his death in April 2004. Following his career as a fan favorite with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, Pat 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 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.
Media Contact: Joni Kirk, University Communications, (208) 885-7725, joni@uidaho.edu
