Horatio Alger Association Celebrates 30 Years of Scholarships and Announces Its 2015 "Alumnus of the Year" at Alumni Scholar Summit
Celebrating three decades of the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program, which has provided students with more than $100 million in aid, Horatio Alger Alumni Scholars gather to celebrate their accomplishments
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $100 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to more than 21,000 students from across North America, at its 2014 Alumni Scholar Summit. During this event, which was held in Chicago, IL from August 1- 4, the Association also announced Andrew Miller, Chair of the Horatio Alger Alumni Advisory Committee and a 1990 Scholar, as its 2015 Alumnus of the Year Award winner.
The Horatio Alger Association Alumnus Award annually recognizes exceptional leaders, such as Miller, who go above and beyond in their service to the organization and their communities, despite having faced significant adversity and personal challenges in their journey to achieve success. An Ohio native, Miller faced adversity throughout his youth, during which he worked as a gardener for country clubs and private estates to help support himself. It was in this role that he found his professional passion, which he pursued at The Ohio State University where he studied horticulture, German and secondary agricultural education. After college, he was a horticulturist for two of the world's "Top 100" golf courses and today, Miller serves as President of Embassy Landscape Group in Kansas City, Missouri. He also gives countless hours to Horatio Alger Association, helping to keep Alumni Scholars connected to both the organization and its current Scholars.
"I am always honored to be among the bright young men and women of this Association, especially in these remarkable moments of connection and celebration," said Mr. Joseph Neubauer, Chairman Emeritus of Horatio Alger Association and a driving force behind the establishment of the Alumni Association.
"So much has been accomplished in 30 years through the Association's Scholarship Program – and so many lives changed for the better," said David Sokol, Chairman of Horatio Alger Association. "It is inspiring to see Alumni Scholars, such as the wonderful Andy Miller, grow in their professional pursuits and share in our collective passion to uphold the American dream. Each Alumnus and Association Member pursues that dream in his and her own unique way but together, we sustain this important mission. We look forward to preserving the Association and our Scholarship Program for generations to come."
In response to the honor bestowed on him at the Alumni Scholar Summit, Miller said, "To say I am humbled would be an understatement. The Association has been instrumental in shaping my personal growth and professional aspirations. Giving back with my time and service is the least I can do to express my gratitude for all that it has given me. I continue to be inspired by our Alumni Scholars and our Members and I am forever proud to be associated with Horatio Alger Association. To be recognized as the 2015 Alumnus of the Year at the Alumni Scholar Summit is an honor I won't soon forget. "
The Horatio Alger Alumni Scholar Summit is a quadrennial event, which consists of educational and professional sessions led by Association Members, Alumni and friends, and aims to provide key career guidance, networking and experiential mentorship. Topics addressed at the 2014 Summit included among others "Starting You Own Business," "Proven Financial Planning Skills that Work" and "Energizing and Motivating Alumni Volunteers."
On the final night of the 2014 Summit, the Association hosted a special concert in celebration of its Alumni Scholars and its scholarship program's milestone anniversary. Singing sensation and Horatio Alger Association International Ambassador, George Perris, performed with Horatio Alger Life Partner and sought-after performer, Shelly MacArthur, and Rich Daniels' City Lights Orchestra at Chicago's Murphy Auditorium. Their powerful and dynamic performances closed the Alumni Scholar Summit on an uplifting note.
For more information about Horatio Alger Association, please visit www.horatioalger.org.
About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.
CONTACT:
Meg Kane
484-385-2938 (office)
[email protected]
SOURCE Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc.
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