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University of Hawai'i |
(808) 956-8856 Telephone |
For Immediate Release: |
October 6, 1998 |
Contact: Helena Sena, UH Foundation, 808-956-6748 Wal-Mart, 501-273-4314 |
Newest Wal-Mart scholarship winner announced Caron Ikeda of the Big Island, a freshman majoring in biology at the University of Hawai'i, is the latest recipient of the Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholarship. Ikeda is eligible to receive $5,000 a year for all four years of her undergraduate education at UH, thanks to the scholarship program set up by the discount retail chain for students pursuing degrees in science or technology fields. The Competitive Edge Scholarship, funded in part by contributions from participating Wal-Mart vendors, has grown into one of the country's largest programs supplying such scholarships. Wal-Mart's Competitive Edge Scholarships are awarded by the University to students with good academic standing and a record of community involvement. Ikeda is the fifth incoming freshman to receive the scholarship at UH. Previously announced honorees were Lee Ann Shiroma of Honolulu, a civil engineering major from 1994 to 1998; Derek Nishimura of Wai'anae, a zoology major, 1995-99; Nicole Nashiro of Honolulu, a biology major, 1996-2000; and Shaun V. Chinen of Waipahu, a computer science major, 1997-2001. Mark Merlin, UH professor of biology, says, "The Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholarship continues to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students in science and technology. It helps to create a better future for our students, our state and the nation." Nationwide, more than 240 incoming freshmen will receive more than $4 million from the scholarship fund during their four years of college. Since 1992, the scholarships have been awarded to more than 900 students at 145 educational institutions. Wal-Mart chose the University of Hawai'i at Manoa as a partner in the scholarship program because of its high-caliber science offerings. "Sam Walton believed that America's future begins in the classroom," says David D. Glass, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "This program helps deserving students pursue the technology careers they've dreamed about. It is their enthusiasm for learning that is vital to America's long-term growth and prosperity." Thanks to Wal-Mart and its vendor partners and shoppers, contributions to the scholarship fund have grown from $1.6 million to more than $20 million in 1998. It is one of the largest scholarship funds of its kind, compared to other scholarships which are financed by trusts or endowments. |
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