Seven scholarships awarded

The University of Phoenix and Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors, today announced the seven recipients of the 2011 University of Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Scholarships. The scholarships were awarded to eligible Wounded Warrior Project alumni, spouses and primary caregivers.

Central Arkansas resident Whitney Dickinson has been named a recipient of the 2011 University of Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Scholarship and intends to purse a master’s degree in psychology. Dickinson’s motto has been to “never give up and never give in.” For her, this has been the biggest lesson she has learned from her affiliation with the U.S. Military, which has been primarily in relation to her husband and his injuries.

“I have never seen someone push so hard through what appears to be an uphill battle, as I have seen my husband push through,” said Dickinson. “The doctors said he would never walk again. He said he would, and he did.”

Dickinson’s husband fought the physical challenges of his injuries and succeeded. One doctor ordered him an $18,000 wheelchair while he was in the hospital, and he asked the doctors to return it because he would not need it. Dickinson’s husband was told he would never return to work, but he refused to accept that diagnosis as his training taught him to keep pushing even when the odds have been stacked against him.

Dickinson’s husband has worked hard over the years. Right now he is in the process of learning a new trade that he can do from home. He adapts to any situation faced, and then overcomes the difficulty. That example has taught Dickinson to do the same.

“I am honored to receive this award because I have had this plan developed for a while now,” said Dickinson. “My hope is to use my education to improve the lives of others, and I have the determination to make that happen. I will make the most of this degree and will consistently share any knowledge gained with others.”

“The University of Phoenix is proud to work with Wounded Warrior Project and provide each scholarship recipient an opportunity to help accomplish his or her educational goals,” said Garland Williams, Ph.D., USA Colonel (ret.), Associate Regional Vice President for University of Phoenix Military Division. “These scholarships represent an appreciation of the sacrifice these service members have made to secure our country’s freedom and symbolize a chance for each recipient to acquire essential professional skills to further assist in his or her transition to civilian life.”

”Wounded Warrior Project places an importance on providing educational opportunities for our nation’s wounded servicemen,” said Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director Steve Nardizzi. “We are grateful to University of Phoenix for providing these scholarships to such a deserving group which helps further our mission of honoring and empowering wounded warriors.”

The 2011 University of Phoenix Wounded Warrior Project Scholarships allow each scholarship recipient the opportunity to complete a University of Phoenix master’s degree program. Scholarship recipients will complete their studies at one of the University’s more than 200 locations nationwide or through the University’s online classroom accessible anywhere in the world, thus offering flexible education options to transitioning service members.

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project has supported thousands of wounded warriors and caregivers through programs designed to nurture the mind and body. The organization helps encourage economic empowerment and engagement. For more information, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
For more information on University of Phoenix degree offerings and special discounts offered to military members, their families, and veterans, please visit http://www.phoenix.edu/colleges_divisions/military.html.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and service to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.