Coca-Cola presents scholarships to first-generation UA students

Twelve UA students were honored at the Bryant Conference Center Tuesday afternoon when they were presented with scholarships on behalf of Coca-Cola.

In its second year at the University, the program pays for tuition of first-generation students from the state of Alabama attending the University.

Many of the scholars involved in the program would not even be able to attend college without the help provided by Coca-Cola.

"I'm thrilled to have this scholarship, without Coke and this opportunity I wouldn't be here," said Matthew Clem, a freshman majoring in accounting. "This will be a part of my life for the rest of it. I plan to be a part of the Coca-Cola family and the University of Alabama for the rest of my life."

"They have been very thankful," said Angela Benjamin, a UA graduate student and coordinator of the program. "The students express often that if they had not had this for support they wouldn't be here at the University of Alabama."

Since 1993, the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program has given $14 million to 1,000 students in 32 states, according to the company.

The University, however, is the first public institution to receive money from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The University had 12 students granted scholarships in 2007, and 12 in 2006.

To receive a scholarship, students must first complete an application, which includes essays. After the applications are narrowed down, the remaining students are put through an interview process before being informed whether they made it.

"I was very excited, it's a really good program," said Allie Thompson, a freshman majoring in marketing. "I was excited to not get just the money, but the support it offered."

Recipients are given money toward their education as well as tutors and groups to help them succeed in college.

UA alumnus Gary Fayard, the former vice-president and chief financial officer of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, said he thinks the program is helping him return what he got out of his education here.

"I'm proud of coming from the state of Alabama, but I want to give back to it, too," Fayard said. "An education, from what I've seen throughout my career, is really what drives the economy."

"This is a signature program of Coke which we're committed to," said Walker Jones, the community relations director for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

The University is receiving $1 million to help fund the scholarship program, and Fayard feels it's money well spent.

"It's fabulous," Fayard said. "Giving back to the community is what all of us should do. It's the right thing to do. I'm hoping to see a real everlasting impact on both the students, their families and the community."

In giving the scholarships, Coca-Cola may have initiated a trickle-down effect. The scholars, given a chance to attend college, are using their free time to help positively affect the community in which they go to school.

"We've been a part of Alabama Action, helping elementary schools rebuild," Clem said. "We have also had a service project at DCH to raise money to buy presents for neo-natal patients and their families,".

In early December, the students raised money to provide families of pre-mature newborns presents for Christmas. The families, which many times are under increased emotional and financial pressure, were greatly appreciative.

"I think this is what education is all about, learning to look beyond yourself and finding your place as a citizen," said Diane Teague, the academic coordinator for students.

UA President Robert Witt said he is not only pleased with the program, but where it is heading as well.

"I think one of the lasting benefits of the first generation scholarship program is that other individuals and groups will follow Coke's example and provide scholarships," Witt said. "We couldn't be more pleased, because a most important part of the University of Alabama's mission is to provide an education for all."