Patriot Talon

University President Rodney H. Mabry announced the first recipients of the “Only in America” Don King scholarship on Aug. 29.

The six recipients were: senior Darrell Geisendorff; juniors Steven Harbaugh and Miguel Garcia; sophomores Adrian Lopez, Jack Adams and Daniel Gibson.

The new scholarship was announced in March 2008 and funded by proceeds from a R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center visit by King, a boxing promoter. The scholarship was designed to recognize the contributions of military men and women by providing scholarships to them or their dependents.

“It is with great pride that we name the first students to receive these scholarships, which represent the honor and respect that we extend to all the men and women who serve to protect this country,” Mabry said. “This is our opportunity to show our gratitude while enabling them, or their family, to pursue higher education.”

“The scholarship is a nice acknowledgement of spending a decade in the military and working and keeping the GPA I have,” Adams said.

Veterans can receive $1,100 per month for education-related expenses through the Montgomery GI Bill.
Mabry said veterans receive $9,900 to pay tuition and fees, but the cost causes little to be left for food, shelter and family needs.

“This scholarship paid for my $700 plus worth of books. It’s a huge help,” Adams said.

“We want to give our veterans and their spouses, and children in some cases, an opportunity to go to or stay in school. At the same time, we want to thank them for their service to our country,” Mabry said.
The scholarship is up to $1,000 per semester for fall and spring semesters only. Students must be enrolled full time at the University and apply each semester.

The application requires an essay to identify the student’s need and why they should be selected, said Candice Lindsey, University associate dean for enrollment management.