NORMAN — A $300,000 check, representing the final payment of a multi-year, $1.5 million contribution from AT&T to a University of Oklahoma scholarship program for Native American students, was delivered Wednesday afternoon.
AT&T Oklahoma President Bryan Gonterman presented the money to Tripp Hall, OU vice president for Development, at a campus luncheon Wednesday. The program is funded by the AT&T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT&T.
Since the AT&T Oklahoma Native American Scholars program was announced in 2006, 40 students have received scholarships under the program, with 10 new students recruited into the program each year.
“We’re honored to support a scholarship program that provides an opportunity for Native American students to attend this great university and receive an education that will help them achieve their dreams,” Gonterman said. “As a company, we’re committed to the power of higher education and to ensuring that everyone has a chance to learn.”
“This program is helping to encourage more Native Americans to apply for college and to work to their full potential once they are here,” Hall said. “With this final payment, the AT&T Oklahoma Native American Scholars program will continue to benefit students for many years to come.”
The luncheon was attended by several students who have been selected to participate in the scholarship program, OU officials and state Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman. Several students said the scholarships have allowed them to concentrate on their studies and not job distractions.
“The AT&T program has helped foster a community of fellowship, scholarship and leadership among the American Indian Community here at OU,” said Robert “Eli” Rhoades, a junior business major and scholarship recipient. “Support from the AT&T Scholarship helps ensure that I have a successful college career and helps to ensure that I will be able to serve my native community and a larger community, into the future.”
Nations said the scholarship provides a strong incentive for more Native Americans to attend college. “The University of Oklahoma has done an impressive job of picking the right students for this program and then working with each student to ensure they stay in school,” Nations said.
Under the AT&T Oklahoma Native American Scholars program, OU works with tribal offices and high schools to encourage students interested in studying technology-related fields to attend the university. Students pursuing degrees in computer sciences, engineering, math and science are first consideration. The scholarship committee also looks for students with special needs or who are the first generation in their families to attend college.
Scholarships range from $1,000 for freshman and sophomore students to $2,500 in tuition and stipends for juniors and seniors.
