Monday, May 17, 2010
PRINCESS ANNE, MD- May 17, 2010-The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Henson Scholars and Henson Leaders expressed their gratitude for the continued support of Richard A. Henson through the Henson Foundation during a recent Scholarship Luncheon held on campus.
“The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has definitely made a significant difference in my life,” said Crystal Brandon, one of three students who had an opportunity to share their experiences at the university.
Due to the generosity of the late Richard A. Henson, Eastern Shore businessman, philanthropist and long-time friend of the University, aspiring young scholars are afforded four-year scholarships to attend UMES.
During his lifetime, Henson contributed what was then the largest one-time gift to UMES. His $2 million contribution was earmarked for students, providing scholarships that include tuition, fees, room and board, books and fees for Henson Scholars and one half tuition, room and board for Henson Leaders.
The Henson Scholars program commenced in 1981 and the Henson Leaders program began in 1999. Total contributions to UMES from Richard A. Henson and the Foundation total some $4.5 million.
“I come from a family who wasn’t financially prepared to pay for my college education,” said Emara Parsons, who will earn a degree in rehabilitation services in May.
Parsons said the Henson Scholarship enabled her to overcome financial obstacles and encouraged her “to aim high and work hard to achieve her goals.”
A senior accounting major, Brandon says she held multiple leadership positions during her four years at UMES, which helped her grow as a person.
One experience in particular, she will never forget.
“I learned a valuable lesson in patience after mentoring elementary and middle school students,” she said.
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Representatives of the Henson Foundation and UMES pictured (Front Row) from left to right are Tom Evans, chairman of the Henson Foundation; Gordon D. Gladden, trustee, Henson Foundation; Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, president, UMES; Donna S. Altvater, executive director, Henson Foundation; Stephen Farrow, trustee, Henson Foundation; and Dr. Rita Lamb, director, UMES Honors Program. Henson Scholars and Henson Leaders at UMES pictured (Back Row) from left to right are Rashad James, biology major of Charlotte, N.C.; Emara Parsons, rehabilitation services major of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Crystal Brandon, accounting major of White Plains, Md.; Trevor Worthy, accounting major of Lanham, Md.; Nana Osei-Owusu, agri-business major of Accra, Ghana; Lynette Gilchrist, business administration major of New Market, Md.; and Thomas Keane-Dawes, business administration major of Salisbury, Md.
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Candice Evans, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-6669, caevans1@umes.edu
Gail Stephens, assistant director, UMES Office of Public Relations, 410-651-7580, gcstephens@umes.edu.
