Contact: Allison Matthews
For the third consecutive year, Mississippi State is awarding national Pat Tillman Military Scholarships on its campus.
Two new students at the university join five previously enrolled as 2011-12 selections for the academic awards created in memory of Pat Tillman, the late U.S. Army Ranger and former NFL football player.
The new scholars are junior Patricia A. Pohlhaus of Clinton and Ryan N. Bear of Huntsville, Mo.
Pohlhaus is a special education major and the daughter of Jackie and Charles Moody. A member of the Famous Maroon Band, she completed a summer internship in which she directed a children's theater camp for ages 3-13.
Bear, the son of Janie and David Bear [65259], is a second-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine. A 2001 Missouri State University cell and molecular biology graduate and former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, he plans to pursue a career as a clinical veterinarian.
"We are exceptionally pleased the Pat Tillman Foundation continues to honor his memory by awarding generous scholarships for students enrolled on Mississippi State's veteran-friendly campus," said Ken McRae. "These students are among those who are setting a positive example with their lives through service and continued patriotism as they pursue their educational goals."
McRae directs MSU's G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans that administers the campus Tillman Military Scholars program.
Since 2009, MSU has awarded Tillman scholarships, having been among the inaugural group of U.S. institutions of higher education chosen to participate in the program.
The scholarships support the educations of both veterans and their families. Amounts for the MSU group typically vary between $2,000 and $10,000 for an academic year.
Tillman Military Scholar candidates may be affiliated with any U.S. Armed Forces branch. Those selected must be enrolled fulltime, maintain a 3.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) and demonstrate financial need, among other criteria. Scholars also are required to perform a public service of choice and report that service to the Tillman community.
Tillman was a 1998-2001 starting safety with the Arizona Cardinals. In mid-2002, he placed his professional football career on hold to become an Army Ranger. Two years later, the San Jose, Calif., native was killed on active duty in Eastern Afghanistan.
Following his death in 2004, the Arizona-based Pat Tillman Foundation was created by family and friends.
"The Pat Tillman Military Scholars program and associated funds are a ready source of assistance for schools like Mississippi State which have strong veterans' programs for our returning service men and women and their dependents who wish to start, finish or further their education," said Hunter I. Riley, Pat Tillman Foundation program director. "We are extremely proud that MSU recipients devote the time to take part in beneficial activities organized by the Tillman Foundation and also volunteer in the local areas."
MSU's Montgomery Center for America's Veterans has gained a national reputation for work with current and former military personnel and organizations. Its Tillman Scholars are among more than 2,000 student veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors currently enrolled.
The second-year class of MSU Tillman Military Scholars includes (by hometown):
JACKSON, Tenn.--Graduate student James M. Bryant, the son of Jim and Tammy Bryant, is pursuing a master's degree in business administration. A six-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he is an MSU business administration graduate.
STARKVILLE--Junior Janice L. Cunningham, a biological engineering/biomedical engineering major and the daughter of Alexander and Monika Cunningham of Zwibruecken, Germany. Valedictorian of her 2010 high school graduating class, she is a member of the campus chapters of the National and German National honor societies.
The third-year class includes:
BRANDON--Senior Markus L. Edwards, a music education major and the son of Melvin and Vicki Edwards. He is a member of the MSU Famous Maroon Band and Kappa Kappa Psi band fraternity.
FLOWOOD--Junior Samantha B. Hill, a junior communication/public relations major and the daughter of Terry and Geraldine Hill.
TUPELO--Catherine C. Turner, a junior political science/pre-law major and the daughter of James and Cathy Turner.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.