Shore Scholars Fund Established

SALISBURY, MD--In an effort to keep "our best scholars on the Shore," Salisbury State University has launched the Shore Scholars Fund.

"We've got some terrific kids graduating from Eastern Shore high schools," said Jack Freistat, director of special gifts at SSU. "They're good students, good athletes, good employees--good citizens. They're our best asset, yet many of them can't afford a premier education at SSU.

"For many of them, its boils down to money," said Freistat. "These students are highly sought after, yet financial difficulties often deter them from their first choice of study. Working students often spend two to three years longer then their peers to achieve a bachelor's degree. Among local students enrolled at SSU this fall, more than half have a B+ average, but only 20 percent are getting scholarship support.

"Students who have to work to pay for a quality education often take longer to graduate," said Freistat. "They lose valuable time and Eastern Shore employers lose a chance to have the talented and energetic new employees needed to build and grow local business."

The Shore Scholars Fund offers an affordable yet highly effective tool for keeping good students on the Shore. An annual gift of $1,000 to $2,500 would be used to build the fund.

"A half tuition scholarship to Salisbury State costs just $2,000 per year," said Freistat. "That's about one-eighth of the tuition at the average private school. SSU can offer almost everything a student is looking for: quality faculty, a challenging academic program, leadership opportunities and internships--all on a beautiful campus. What SSU needs is funding for scholarships."

A pair of funds have been established: one for students who have academic merit; another for students who have merit and need. Donors can select the fund they want to support. Contributions of over $1,000 entitles the donor to membership in SSU's President's Club and its benefits.

For more information call Freistat at 410-546-6939.