Wal-Mart Awards $20,000 Scholarship to Incoming UB Freshman

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Karen Kopecky, who will attend the University at Buffalo as a freshman in the fall, has been selected by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. as this year's recipient of the annual Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholarship, which totals $20,000 over four years.

The scholarship, awarded to an outstanding freshman in a technology-related program, will make it possible for the North Buffalo resident to pursue her studies in mathematics, and, said Kopecky, "enable me to stay close to home and get a top-quality, affordable education.

"The Wal-Mart scholarship made UB much more affordable for me," she added. "With this financial assistance, I won't have to work while I'm attending the university and can focus my attention on my studies."

Created by Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, the scholarship honors students pursuing careers in technological fields, including aerospace, computers, biotechnology, electronics and telecommunications. The scholarship is renewable, based on Kopecky maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average, and will cover the cost of tuition and books, as well as help pay for room and board.

A graduate of City Honors High School in Buffalo with a 4.3 grade-point average, Kopecky was involved in various school activities, including membership on the debate team, Ski Club, school band and chorus, and serving as a tutor. She also was a volunteer in the skilled nursing facility at Sister's Hospital in Buffalo.

Thanks to the financial assistance provided by the Competitive Edge Scholarship, Kopecky will be able to focus more on academics and participation in various campus activities.

"I hope to continue playing the French horn and maybe participate in chorus or the student government, if I'm able to do so," she said.

Competitive Edge Scholarship recipients are chosen by the University Honors Program and are selected based on outstanding academic performance and financial need.

Kopecky stressed that private funding for recognition like the Competitive Edge Scholarship creates a tremendous sense of achievement for the recipients.

"It is important for public universities like UB to receive private funding to establish awards, such as the Competitive Edge Scholarship, because it gives students a feeling of pride to know they have accomplished something academically and will be able to apply their initiative to further their education," said Kopecky.

For information on how you can help support the University at Buffalo, go to http://www.buffalo.edu/giving