MEDIA ADVISORY
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
RALPH C. WILSON, JR. JEFFERSON SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE ATTENDS BUFFALO BILLS TRAINING CAMP
WHAT: East Amherst native Samantha Berger was awarded the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Jefferson Scholarship in May of 2006. She is visiting the Bills' Training Camp before beginning her second year at the University of Virginia. Berger was the first Western New York student to attend the University as the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Jefferson Scholar.
"The University of Virginia is my alma mater and it was my wish to endow a scholarship that would provide the University with a student that would make an impact from the Western New York Region," Bills President Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. said. "Samantha more than fills this role."
WHEN: Wednesday, August 1st, 2007
2:45 PM
WHO: 2006 Jefferson Scholarship winner Samantha Berger
WHERE: Bills Community Tent
Buffalo Bills Training Camp
ABOUT THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. JEFFERSON SCHOLARSHIP:
The scholarship is merit based and includes four years of full tuition, room, board, books, and miscellaneous expenses. Samantha is the first Western New York student to attend the University as the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Jefferson Scholar.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Jefferson Scholarship is part of the national Jefferson Scholars Foundation. As a historically strong supporter of education and an alumnus of the University of Virginia, Ralph Wilson recently endowed the University's Jefferson Scholarship with an ongoing fund that will annually provide candidates from the Buffalo-area with the ability to apply for the Foundation's four-year scholarship program.
Up to 35 students internationally are awarded scholarships through the Jefferson Scholars Foundation. More than 900 nominees from around the world participate in a rigorous eight-month application and selection process. The fundamental mission of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is to identify, attract, and nurture individuals of extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest qualities of leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.
RALPH C. WILSON, JR. EDUCATION INITIATIVES:
In 2004, St. John Fisher College dedicated the newest academic building, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education Building. **
**St. John Fisher College - Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Scholarship established in 2001. The scholarship is awarded each year to one full-time Sports Studies major and/or a student athlete who exhausts his/her NCAA eligibility.
Canisius College - Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Sports Scholarship - Each year usually four students are selected, one from each class. Established in 1995 at Canisius, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Sports Scholarship fund provides an annual contribution from Mr. Wilson that is used to award academically deserving, athletic students from Western New York and southern Ontario at the college.
ABOUT SAMANTHA BERGER:
List of organizations and activities at the University of Virginia:
· Creation of Sigma Delta: Secretary
· University Programs Council: Specials Committee
· First Year Seminar
· Women's Leadership Development Program
· Madison House Service Organization: Boosters Program
· Sigma Alpha Lambda
· Ballroom Dance Club
· Project SERVE
· Dean's List
· National Scholars Honor Society
· Raven-ODK First-Year Award
Here is a summary of Samantha's experiences as a Jefferson scholar:
- Camping Trip
- Dinners with Jefferson scholars and alumni
- Provided with access to opportunities around campus (conversations with professors and deans)
- Ability to interact with a diverse group of people who are willing to offer support emotionally and intellectually
