Veteran Scholarships

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ANNOUNCES 2010 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND VETERANS SCHOLARSHIPS AND TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLARS

Dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for veterans and service members, the University of Maryland, College Park is proud to announce the Veterans Initiative Scholarships application process for the 2010-2011 academic year.

There are seven named scholarships that are funded by alumni and friends of the University of Maryland as well as the continued partnership with the Pat Tillman Foundation and their Tillman Military Scholarships. These gifts will cover study-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, for veteran and active service members and, in the case of the Tillman Military Scholars, their dependents. 

Named scholarships include the:

§  Ernest M. Willcher Veterans Scholarship
§  Alexion Veterans Scholarship
§  Paul E. and Jane F. Butler Scholarship
§  Robert E. Evasick Memorial Scholarship
§  Edward Friedson Memorial Scholarship
§  William and Donna Richbourg Veterans Scholarship
§  University of Maryland Veterans Scholarship

Linda M. Clement, Vice President for Student Affairs, shared, “The active engagement of alumni, foundations and other friends of the university in ensuring the success of our veteran students through generous scholarship support has helped students remain in school and successfully complete their degrees.  Funding is also allowing our veteran scholars to pursue internships and other educational opportunities that were previously not possible.  We are indebted to our generous alumni, and friends – many of whom have direct connections to the military community.”

Last year, the applications were from extraordinarily impressive men and women who embodied the character of which the University of Maryland is most proud.  Scholar Selection Committee Chair Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens attests, “these Veteran Scholars have contributed their intellect and leadership to the university and inspired their families and communities.”  This year, the scholar selection committee anticipates competition from many impressive candidates and encourages those interested to apply early.

Active service members, veterans, and dependents of both are invited to apply (note: dependents are eligible only for Tillman Military Scholarships).  Applications are available atwww.studentaffairs.umd.edu and www.veterans.umd.eduand due April 9, 2010.  The eligibility criteria for scholars are detailed on the website.  For additional information, interested parties are invited to contact Dr. Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, at mguenzle@umd.edu or at 301-314-8505. For information about supporting veterans’ scholarships, contact James Rychner, Director of Development at 301-414-7918 or jjr@umd.edu.

The University’s Veterans Initiative launched three years ago in time to support the growing veteran population on campus.  Results of the initiative include a Veterans Program Office, serving as a hub for all veteran-related services and activities, the student organization TerpVets, which has spearheaded several advocacy and engagement activities for veterans and non-veteran students to participate, and a dramatic improvement in processing services to veterans, most notably in admissions, certification and financial aid. 

When is a transfer student no longer a transfer student?

I had a conversation with a student from my leadership class today. He is a legislator in the Student Government Association and one of his projects throughout this year is to help lobby for transfer student initiatives across campus. He hopes to provide a seamless transition for our students both in the transferring process and once here at UM. I told him about all of the things that we currently do for transfer students including pre-transfer advising, orientation, a welcome event, classes and this blog. He seemed mildly satisfied, but still wanted to do more. I offered him some advice and posed the question that I would like to pose to this community:

When is a transfer student no longer a transfer student?


I don't think that I have an answer. Most institutions have an official answer such as after one semester or after one academic year. But emotionally, socially, psychologically when is a transfer student no longer a transfer student? Administrators say that they want transfer students to feel like a part of the community at a University, but then we continue to treat them as a separate entity. I am a strong advocate for transitional support, but when does that support need to be weened away, if at all?

Thoughts?