2015 Tillman Scholars Announced – Milestone Marks Nearly $12 Million Investment in Higher Education since 2004

Chicago, IL (June 9, 2015) – Today, Marie Tillman, President and Co-Founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation, announced the names of the 60 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses chosen as 2015 Tillman Scholars. In recognition of their military service, leadership and academic excellence, the newly selected class will receive over $1.7 million in scholarships to pursue their higher education and continue their service in the fields of medicine, law, business, government, education, science and the arts. For the full list of 2015 Tillman Scholars, with the service branches, institutions and fields of study from which they were selected, please visit: http://pattillmanfoundation.org/2015class

“Pat made his mark as a husband, teammate, soldier and brother. He believed we should always strive to be part of something bigger than ourselves,” said Marie Tillman, President and Co-Founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “In their own unique ways, the 2015 Tillman Scholars stand apart for their humility and selfless service in and out of uniform. We are proud to fuel their passion for learning and action, so they can make their mark as leaders for our country and communities.”

To date, the Pat Tillman Foundation has invested nearly $12 million in academic support since 2004, and named over 400 Tillman Scholars at 108 academic institutions nationwide. From July 16-19^th, the foundation will convene the 2015 Pat Tillman Leadership Summit, bringing together new, current and alumni Tillman Scholars at Roosevelt University in Chicago to identify pathways for collaboration and address some of the toughest challenges impacting the country and our communities.

The Tillman Scholars Program

Founded in 2008, the Tillman Scholars program supports our nation’s active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses by investing in their higher education. The scholarship program covers direct study-related expenses, including tuition and fees, books and living expenses, for scholars who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degrees as a full-time student at a public or private, U.S.-based accredited institution. The selection process for the Tillman Scholars program is highly competitive with up to 60 Tillman Scholars chosen annually.

2015 University Partners

During the 2015 selection process, the foundation was proud to collaborate with 18 University Partners, who offer innovative, veteran-specific services and a proven culture of support for student veterans and military spouses, to identify and select qualified candidates on their campuses for the Tillman Scholar screening process. The 2015 University Partners included Arizona State University, Columbia University, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, Indiana University, The Ohio State University, Texas A&M University, University of Alabama, University of Arizona, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Maryland, University of Minnesota, University of Missouri System, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Florida, University of Washington and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

If you are a member of the media who wishes to arrange an interview with Pat Tillman Foundation President and Co-Founder Marie Tillman or a 2015 Tillman Scholar, please contact Michelle McCarthy at (773) 598-4215, [email protected].

About the Pat Tillman Foundation

In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships–building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation, visit www.PatTillmanFoundation.org.

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