UMES launches campaign for scholarship funds

By Stephen A. Williams, WESM News

PRINCESS ANNE, MD –
(Original Airdate: 09-19-2006)

As the University of Maryland Eastern Shore continues to celebrate its 120th year, on Monday it launched a new phase in its goal to raise $14 million for a scholarship fund called the Campaign for Academic Excellence. The kick-off celebration signaled the beginning of a renewed effort, which started two years ago, to reach the funding goal by the year 2011. In attendance were various state and local officials, alumni and staff.

Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, President of the University, noted that the funding goal is ambitious, yet reachable.

"Rural though we might be," said Dr. Thompson, "I think our unique programs and what we have here to offer...to make America special, will make us achieve this goal."

Two university students spoke about why the Campaign for Academic Excellence is needed. Stephen Alt, a senior from Denton, Maryland, studying Aviation Sciences, said that receiving a scholarship motivates students to do better and pushes them to excellence.

Kera Morris, a senior from Salisbury, Maryland, studying Math Education, agreed that financial aid in the form of scholarships provides a powerful incentive for students to succeed.

"Here at UMES, I know that our teachers really push us," said Morris, "...and the student who receives [a] scholarship will do their very best and try to give back once they have graduated from this school."

Morris said that without her honors scholarship, it would have been more difficult to find a way to pay for her education. She plans to attend graduate school and eventually teach secondary education in mathematics. Alt is currently training to become a commercial aviation pilot.

Immediately after the kick-off celebration, university officials unveiled an oil painting of the late Dr. Thomas H. Kiah, which was donated by the Kiah family. Dr. Kiah was head of the college from 1910 to 1936. His family was on hand at the dedication of the painting, which will be placed in the foyer of Kiah Hall.

For more information on giving to the University, visit http://www.umes.edu/campaign/