UW Students Receive Tillman Military Scholars Awards

July 8, 2011

Three University of Wyoming students have been selected as Tillman Military Scholars for the 2011-2012 academic year.

They are underclassmen Nichole Juliano, a mathematics major from Mill Village, Pa.; Meghan Lucas, international relations/political science, Wichita, Texas; and Robert Niezwaag, master's degree candidate in social work, Riverton. Both Juliano and Niezwaag received $7,000 awards for the academic year, while Lucas was awarded a three-year scholarship for $8,000 per year.

UW is one of 12 universities serving as a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner for the upcoming school year. University Partners are selected based on their innovative service member-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.

As a University Partner, each institution conducts outreach to its veteran and military dependent student population and actively participates in the Tillman Military Scholar selection process. Upon selection of Tillman Military Scholars on campus, each then supports the building and strengthening of community among the students, enhancing their academic and personal experiences.

"It has been an honor to be selected as a Pat Tillman Foundation University Partner and an even greater privilege to have three of University of Wyoming students selected as Tillman Foundation Scholars," says United States Air Force Ret. Master Sgt. Adam Vernati, UW Veterans Services Center project coordinator. "We are proud to work together with the Tillman Foundation in providing an exceptional opportunity for some of UW's finest students. We look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with the Pat Tillman Foundation."

The Pat Tillman Foundation in 2008 established the Tillman Military Scholars program to support educational opportunities for service members and military families by bridging the financial gaps left by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The scholarships cover not only tuition and fees, but also other areas such as housing and child care.

The Tillman scholars program is in memory of former Arizona Cardinals defensive back Pat Tillman. In 2002, Tillman put his NFL career on hold to serve his country. Following Tillman's death in 2004, while serving with the 75th Army Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan, his family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation that invests in veterans and their families through education, community and advocacy.

The foundation has since awarded more than $4.5 million in educational resources to support individuals committed to a life of service both in and out of uniform.

For more information about the scholarship and UW's Veterans Services Center, contact Vernati at (307) 766-6909 or email vernati@uwyo.edu.

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