2012 AIAS Foundation Scholarship Winners Revealed

Randy Pausch and Mark Beaumont Scholarships Granted to Next Generation of Video Game Makers and Leaders

CALABASAS, Calif., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS), the professional video games organization advancing the artistic values of the interactive entertainment community, has announced the winners for its annual scholarship programs.  Four recipients – Kyle Field (University of Wisconsin Stout), Girish Balakrishnan (Drexel University), Josephine Tsay (Carnegie Mellon University) and Jonathan Wine (George Mason University) -- will receive a total of $10,000 ($2,500 to each recipient) through the Randy Pausch and Mark Beaumont scholarship funds.  The scholarships are awarded by the AIAS Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the organization.

"The AIAS Foundation scholarships are at the core of our mission to support the development of new talent in the games industry," said Don Daglow, president, AIAS Foundation and president and creative director, Daglow Entertainment. "Future creative teams will invent completely new kinds of games, and both Randy Pausch and Mark Beaumont deeply believed in that power of pursuing great dreams.  This year's finalists represent the inspiring spirit of those two leaders."

"It is truly our honor to support the next generation of game makers and leaders of our industry," said Martin Rae, president, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and board member, AIAS Foundation.  "With the new technology and platforms available to video game developers, the possibilities for the next generation of game makers and leaders are endless.  We look forward to seeing the creative and brilliant games that our scholarship recipients will be producing."

The Randy Pausch Scholarship was established by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences in 2008 to honor the memory of Computer Science Professor and Co-Founder of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Randy Pausch. The scholarship has been established to support students who are pursuing careers specializing in the development of interactive entertainment.  Kyle Field and Girish Balakrishnan are this year's recipients of Randy Pausch Scholarships.

"I would like to thank everyone involved with the Randy Pausch Scholarship for this generous award," said Kyle Field.  "Whenever a student is able to earn a scholarship like this, it shows that there are people who believe that what that student has chosen to do has significance, and it shows that those people believe in that student's potential. I am very grateful for this incredible gift and support."

"To be recognized by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, let alone being a recipient of an award created on behalf of such an influential & inspirational contributor to the field of Digital Media, Randy Pausch, is definitely a great honor in itself that I am sincerely humbled to receive," said Girish Balakrishnan.  "In difficult economic times, I am grateful that organizations such as the AIAS support the next generation of young creatives and innovators that help shape this growing field. This award is further validation in both my Drexel University professors' tutelage and, most importantly, my family's love & support of my dreams, however crazy they may be."

The Mark Beaumont Scholarship was established by the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences in 2010 to honor the memory of COO of Capcom North America and Europe, Mark Beaumont.  This scholarship has been established to support students who are pursuing careers specializing in the business of interactive entertainment.  Josephine Tsay and Jonathan Wine are this year's recipients of Mark Beaumont Scholarships.

"I once promised my 8-year-old self never to forget what it was like to wonder, and to dream," said Josephine Tsay.  "I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to lead in a way that hopefully inspires others to do the same. Whatever you find worthwhile in life, is worth fighting for!"

"I am tremendously humbled and honored to be a recipient of the Mark Beaumont scholarship," said Jonathan Wine.  "Mr. Beaumont was a wonderful example of a leader in the video game industry, and I truly hope to follow in his footsteps as I travel down my own path. Thank you for this incredible opportunity."

SOURCE Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences