CEDAR CITY, Utah — Fall semester is right around the corner, and ten Southern Utah University students will attend classes thanks in part to being named as recipients of 2005-2006 PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning First Generation Scholarships. The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, the charitable arm of Utah Power, has awarded $6,000 to help enable selected students to become the first in their immediate families to obtain a college degree.  

“Studies continue to support that ‘first-generation’ students face unique challenges before, during, and after their efforts to seek a college degree,” said D. Mark Barton, Southern Utah University’s vice president of advancement and regional services. “More than a quarter of the young adults enrolled at Southern Utah University are first-generation students, meaning both of their parents have not obtained a bachelors degree.”

Last year, five Southern Utah University students were selected to receive 2004-2005 PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning First Generation Scholarships:

“Returning to school has been a dream of mine for over ten years,” wrote scholarship recipient Debby Miller, from Enoch, Utah. “It is the best feeling to be living my dream. I am also setting a good example of how wonderful higher education is to my children.” Debby is a married mother of four, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

Scholarship recipient Rebecca Moore, from Thermopolis, Wyoming, wrote, “Both of my parents attended school, but neither one finished their degrees. For this reason, they have always encouraged each of their children to obtain education beyond high school…This scholarship will greatly assist my financial situation as I attend my final semester of college.” Rebecca graduated in May 2005 with a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Her career plans include working in the public schools with special needs students, and eventually opening a preschool.

“I am a full time student with a part time job trying to make it through school,” wrote scholarship recipient Garrett Olson, from Moroni, Utah. “To me, getting an education is my biggest goal as I now try to support my family.” Garret was married in December 2003, and is pursuing a degree in Interpersonal Communications with a minor in Spanish.

Scholarship recipient Jenica Jackman, from Hurricane, Utah, plans to become the first of seven siblings to graduate from college. She is pursuing a degree in Family and Consumer Science Education, with a goal of becoming a teacher. Scholarship recipient Laura Bartschi, from Cedar City, graduated in May 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education. She was able to overcome a variety of challenges to achieve a college education. 

“Obtaining a college degree takes a great deal of effort, particularly for students who are balancing school with work and other responsibilities,” said Mark Cox, Utah Power’s regional community manager. “We are pleased to help provide a means for students to work toward achieving their goal of graduating from Southern Utah University.”

First Generation Scholarship funding for 2005-2006 is part of more than $300,000 awarded by the PacifiCorp Foundation in June 2005, for learning initiatives across the electric utility’s six-state service area. The Foundation awards four cycles of grants annually in the areas of education, health and welfare, community and the arts.

Since its establishment in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than 6,500 grants totaling more than $38.4 million to communities served by Utah Power, Pacific Power and PacifiCorp. For additional information, visit www.pacificorpfoundation.org .
Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com