Tyler

Six students are the first recipients of the "Only in America" Don King scholarships at The University of Texas at Tyler, President Rodney Mabry announced.

The financial aid recognizes contributions of military men and women by providing scholarships to them or their dependents.

The "Only in America" Don King Scholarship Program was announced in March during a patriotic celebration featuring philanthropist and businessman Don King, best known for work in promoting boxing. King has visited various military bases and has pledged to help them with their projects.

"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. This is our opportunity to show our gratitude while enabling them, or their family, to pursue higher education," Mabry said.

The recipients, hometown and classification are: Darrell Geisendorff, Katy, senior; Adrian Lopez, Spring, sophomore; Steven Harbaugh, Tyler, junior; Miguel Garcia, Mount Pleasant, junior; Jack Adams, Holcomb, Kan., sophomore; and Daniel Gibson, Judson, sophomore. Gibson is on active duty in Georgia.

"As someone who has provided various scholarships, I am most impressed with the enthusiasm there is for this program. Everyone involved is honored to support our troops in this way. It's great to not only raise the flag in support but also to raise the much-needed funds that will provide financial assistance to our soldiers as they pursue higher education," said Jim Perkins who chaired the steering committee for the program.Other committee members are Nelson Clyde IV, Harold Beaird, Gaylord Hughey, Billy Hibbs and the Rev. Jerome Milton.

To qualify for the "Only in America" Don King scholarship, students must be enrolled full-time and apply each academic year no later than April 1 for fall and Nov. 1 for spring. The award is up to $1,000 per semester for fall and spring semesters only.

The application requires a brief essay to identify the student's need for the scholarship and why that student should be selected, said Candice Lindsey, UT Tyler associate dean for enrollment management.

The scholarship may be used in conjunction with other UT Tyler scholarships, but the total of all University scholarship awards may not exceed $3,000 annually, she added.

ONLY IN AMERICA: Members of the “Only in America” Don King Scholarship Program steering committee congratulate the first recipients. Standing, from left, are Harold Beaird, Rev. Jerome Milton, Gaylord Hughey, Dr. Rodney Mabry, Nelson Clyde IV, Jim Perkins and Billy Hibbs. Seated, from left, are Jack Adams, Darrell Geisendorff, Adrian Lopez, Steven Harbaugh, Miguel Garcia. Not pictured is recipient Daniel Gibson.
(Courtesy Photo)