Recipient chosen for outstanding academic achievements,
participation in extracurricular activities, leadership in the community
St. Catharines, ON, August 20, 2008 - Billy Burkholder will venture to Niagara College next month with the help of The UPS Foundation's George D. Smith scholarship. The son of UPS Canada Service Provider Barry Burkholder, Billy is one of three 2008 Canadian UPS scholarship winners. Open to children of current UPS employees who plan to pursue post-secondary education at university or college, the awards are handed out to students worldwide who show excellent academic promise and involvement in their community.
The George D. Smith Scholarship was named after one of the company's initial founders, who was critical in navigating UPS's expansion after World War II. With the scholarship valued at up to $4,000 over a two year period, Billy plans to complete the Computer Programmer Analyst Co-op program at Niagara College. There he will study database development, graphics and design, and system analysis - which are all passions of his.
"I'm thrilled that UPS has awarded me this scholarship," said Burkholder. "Having this financial support will allow me to focus on my education without worrying about the cost. It's so important that companies like UPS help students like me pursue our career goals."
Billy was chosen based on his outstanding academic achievements and his dedication to extracurricular activities within his community. At Dennis Morris High School, Billy participated on the track and field team and was also part of the ski club. Outside of school, he played baseball, soccer, and hockey, including attending the All Ontario Finals with his hockey team in the 2007 season.
In the community, Billy has volunteered with the Thorold Amateur Athletic Association, helping with hockey tournaments. Billy's interests include music, art, graphic arts and computer technology. He aspires to have a career in advertising.
Since 1963, UPS has handed out scholarships to children of its employees. This year it handed out three scholarships in Canada with a total annual commitment of over $7,000. Two other winners received amounts ranging between $1,000 and $4,000 per year to pursue further studies at local colleges and universities. In order to qualify for the scholarships, employees are requested to make submissions to their local centers. Entries are judged by Scholarship America, an independent external entity, who makes decisions on who should be awarded the scholarships.
"The scholarships are just one of the ways UPS invests in the future of its employees and the communities in which it operates," said Mike Tierney, President of UPS Canada. "By supporting higher education and encouraging students to pursue their academic goals, we are engaging in the development of future leaders."
As part of the emphasis on ongoing education and learning, UPS is one of the few companies that offer a tuition reimbursement program in several of its major centres. Some employees attending college or university may qualify for reimbursement of a portion or all of their tuition fees by UPS.
About UPS
Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen. The UPS Foundation's major initiatives currently include programs that support hunger relief, family and workplace literacy, and increased global volunteerism. Having celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007, UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the movement of goods, information and funds. The company can be found on the Web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.
|
|
 |
UPS Pressroom |
|
|
Read press releases, announcements, and other media-related information about UPS.
|
|
 |
|
View History