The Coca-Cola Foundation Honors UA Students, Renews Scholarship Commitment

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Coca-Cola Foundation has renewed its commitment to provide a select group of University of Alabama students with the opportunity to be the first in their families to earn a college degree.

We are committed to providing scholarship opportunities to first generation students who may otherwise not attend college,” said Lori George Billingsley, vice president community relations, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “Ultimately, these opportunities will change the destiny of each student and their families for generations to come.”

UA was the first public institution to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation’s First Generation Scholarship Program in 2006. The Coca-Cola Foundation recently renewed the scholarship program on UA’s campus for another four years with an additional $1 million gift to UA.

UA currently has 48 students benefiting from the program.  

The Coca-Cola Foundation has helped more than 1,200 students on more than 400 campuses become the first in their families to attend college since 1993.   

This year’s Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars luncheon recognized the 2010-2011 freshman class. The 12 students who were recognized will receive $5,000 scholarships each year for four years. 

We appreciate the Coca-Cola Foundation’s commitment to the success of first-generation students on our campus,” said UA President Robert E. Witt. “These scholarships are an important part of our efforts to recruit, retain and graduate first-generation students.”

In addition to Billingsley and Witt, Gary Fayard, chief financial officer of The Coca-Cola Company, and Walker Jones, community relations director, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc., met and honored the UA students at the luncheon.

The following 2010-2011 UA Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars were honored:
 
James Michael Allen of Coker
Allen is a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School with an advanced diploma. During high school, Allen maintained honor roll status while serving as captain of the football team. Allen was also involved in the Student Government Association. Allen plans to earn a degree from the UA College of Education and become a physical education teacher.
 
William Busby of Bremen
Busby is a graduate of Cold Springs High School with an advanced diploma. He was involved in numerous organizations, including the Student Government Association, Leo Club and National Honor Society. Busby served as SGA president, Alabama FCCLA state officer and yearbook editor. Busby plans to earn his degree from the UA College of Arts and Sciences and later attend medical school.
 
Kimberly Chwalek of Birmingham
Chwalek is a graduate of John Carroll Catholic High School with an advanced diploma. Her high school honors included National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.Chwalek was heavily involved in her community, working with the Humane Society, Operation Warm-up and the Birmingham Work Camp.  Chwalek plans to pursue a degree in business administration at UA.
 
Karis Dison of Calera
Dison is a graduate of Hoover High School with an advanced diploma. She was a member of numerous societies including Mu Alpha Theta, the National Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society.Dison was the recipient of the Adams Marmurek Scholarship Award, the Presleigh Cooper Scholarship Award and the Mountain Top Achievement Award. While holding a job throughout high school, she found time to volunteer with numerous community organizations and travel on several mission trips. Dison plans to pursue a degree in nursing at UA.
 
Gavin Scott Dover of Birmingham
Dover graduated with salutatorian honors from Oak Mountain High School.He was a member of the National Honor Society, National Thespian Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Dover was also president of the Drama Club and a distinguished Eagle Scout.Dover plans to pursue a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at UA.
 
Timothy Justin Green of Lacey’s Spring
Green is a graduate of Albert P. Brewer High School. During high school, he was enrolled in numerous honors and AP courses. Green was a member of Skills USA and the debate team. He plans to pursue a degree from the UA College of Arts and Sciences and become a clinical psychologist.
 
Rachel Jackson of Birmingham
Jackson graduated with an honors diploma from the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School. Named one of the Top 100 Sophomores of Jefferson County in 2007, she was a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society and an AP scholar. Jackson has a passion for Japanese culture and hopes to study there. She plans to obtain a degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.
 
Morgen Jensen of Hartselle
Jensen is a graduate of Hartselle High School where she earned an advanced diploma. She received numerous awards, including the USSA National Mathematics Award, Hartselle High School Band Leadership Award and USAA National Business Merit Award. Jensen was a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Club and Mu Alpha Theta. While attending UA, Jensen plans to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

Christopher Jones of Trussville
Jones is a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta and received the perfect attendance award. Jones also participated in the Hewitt-Trussville High School Wellness Club, the school’s ambassador program, and numerous activities at his church. Jones plans to pursue a degree from UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.
 
Genesis Musa of Huntsville
Originally from Venezuela, Musa graduated from Buckhorn High School with academic honors. During high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society and copy editor of the yearbook. She balanced a full time job while maintaining AP level classes in high school. Musa plans to pursue a degree in nursing at UA.
 
John Robert Waldrop of Northport
Waldrop graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School. An accomplished student, he was named Outstanding Senior, received the Scholar Athlete Award three years in a row and the Elite Scholar Award. He was also involved with numerous clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association and Mu Alpha Theta. He served as a Tuscaloosa County High School Ambassador. He plans to pursue a degree from UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Courtney Elise Webb of Winfield
Webb is a graduate of Winfield High School where she was the top of her class. She received many honors in high school, including serving as president of the National Honor Society and receiving the Advanced World History Award and the Advanced English Award. Webb also participated in “Walk a Mile for a Child,” Angel Tree and Relay for Life. Webb plans to pursue a degree in the College of Engineering at UA.

The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company, has contributed more than $418 million to education and other sustainable community programs worldwide since its inception in 1993.