Five Terps Named Tillman Scholars for 2012-2013 School Year

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -The University of Maryland and the Pat Tillman Foundation are pleased to announce five Maryland students have been selected as Tillman Military Scholars for the 2012-2013 academic year. The five Maryland students join a group of 59 scholars (pdf) announced by the Tillman Foundation.

The New Tillman Scholars at Maryland Include:

Petty Officer Second Class Alex Nielson

A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, Alex is a junior at Maryland working to complete his Bachelor's degree in Biology with the goal of attending medical school. Alex was deployed on two combat missions to Iraq and Afghanistan with Marine reconnaissance platoons. A native of Oregon, Alex is the grandson of a 32 year Veteran. Alex hopes to work in a trauma center with urgent care patients once he completes his medical degree.

Anna Lopiccolo Navy Spouse

A graduate student working on her Master's degree in Journalism, Anna is the spouse of a Navy Lieutenant who was a nuclear engineer officer for a submarine. With an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, Anna plans to complete her Maryland degree in December 2012. Anna currently serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Veterans Student Life office working tirelessly as an advocate for Veteran and active duty service member students.

The Returning Tillman Scholars Include:

Staff Sergeant Roel Mora	Staff Sergeant Mora is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Iraq) While on active duty, he served in the Air Force transportation and vehicle maintenance field. Though Roel left active duty in 2009, he continues to serve in the Air Force Reserves as a military finance & controller technician. Roel is pursuing a degree in economics at Maryland. "The Pat Tillman military scholarship is not so much about money but more about preparing veterans for a successful future. I know that the PTF doesn't see me as a number on a scholarship list; they see me as a future leader and are committed to helping me succeed. The PTF commitment does not end at graduation; scholars are lifelong members of a large network of veterans and PTF partners, many of whom are the political and business leaders of our country." - Staff Sgt. Roel Mora
Louis Thorne (Marine Corps Dependent)	Louis Thorne's father, Fancis Thorne, served in Vietnam for the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1968. Louis had the utmost respect for him and his ability to overcome adversity. The life his father lived has served as an inspiration to Louis and although he passed away several years ago, the lessons of loyalty, courage and pride live on. Louis is a senior at Maryland completing a bachelor's degree in agriculture science and technology. He dreams of owning an urban gardening company which will promote organic gardening and educate people on its benefits. Louis is currently a summer intern for the USDA.
Josefien O'Regan (Air Force Dependent)	Josefien is a senior at Maryland. An avid volunteer in high school, she found her passion in helping others. She is majoring in biology and plans to work towards a Doctorate of Physical Therapy so that she can one day return to her community and open a private practice. She also wants to provide low cost services to families who are struggling financially and enable them to receive the therapy necessary for their children.

Maryland Is a Long-Time Partner with the Tillman Foundation

Maryland is one of 14 campuses serving as a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner for the 2012-2013 academic year. University Partners are selected based on their innovative service member-specific support services and proven culture of community for military families.

• Learn More About Veteran Student Life Programs at the University of Maryland

As a University Partner, each institution conducts outreach to its veteran and military spouse 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 of community among these students, strengthening their academic and personal experience.

"We are very proud to be a partner school of the Pat Tillman Foundation," said Terry Zacker who is the point person for veterans scholarships at Maryland's Stamp Student Union. "The work they do to support our Veterans and Family members is second to none. Pat's shining example of courage and commitment are constant reminders for all of us."

• Learn About All the Scholarships Available to Veterans and Service Members Attending the University of Maryland

In 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation 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. Military families face numerous challenges during the transition from military to civilian life and have unique needs that often prevent successfully completing a degree. As a result, Tillman Military Scholars receive financial support to not only cover traditional study-related expenses such as tuition and books, but also other needs, including but not limited to: housing, transportation and childcare. In providing this support, the Pat Tillman Foundation aims to remove any and all obstacles that would otherwise prohibit academic success.

Over the past four years, the Pat Tillman Foundation has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarship funds to 230 Tillman Military Scholars pursuing education at every level from freshmen undergraduates to PhD candidates. Overall, Tillman Military Scholars represent 71 different institutions across 34 states.

"We received 1280 applicants this year and, with support from our selection committee, narrowed these applicants down to 59 outstanding candidates to join the fourth class of Tillman Military Scholars," said Hunter I Riley, director of programs at the Pat Tillman Foundation. "These Scholars represent leadership in the military, classroom and community and we're proud to invest in their education and support them in making a positive impact into the future."

About the Pat Tillman Foundation

Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat's death in 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat's legacy and pay tribute to his commitment to leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing educational support and resources to veterans, active servicemembers and their spouses. Inspired by Pat's attributes of leadership, passion for education and spirit of service, the Foundation annually awards educational scholarships through Tillman Military Scholars program. To date, the Foundation has provided over $3.2 million in scholarships to 230 active servicemembers, veterans and dependents. For more information, visit: www.pattillmanfoundation.org.

Tillman Contacts:

Lindsay Hansen
PR Consultant
480-205-6195

Tony Alba
Pat Tillman Foundation
480-422-6008

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