BURLSWORTH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS TO BE RECOGNIZED DURING HALF-TIME EVENT - FUND-RAISING FIGURES ANNOUNCED

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. - Brandon Burlsworth will be remembered during the half-time program at Saturday’s Razorback basketball game as 19 University of Arkansas students are recognized as Brandon Burlsworth Memorial Scholarship recipients.

Of the 19 scholarship recipients - each recognized for exemplifying the outstanding attributes that Burlsworth possessed - one Brandon Burlsworth Athletic Scholar will be named. The 18 academic scholars each receive a $5,000 scholarship funded by the $319,485 raised through a series of golf tournaments held last summer. In addition, $10,000 is used to fund the educational expenses of a former walk-on student athlete who subsequently earned a football scholarship.

Burlsworth, a football All-American at the University, was tragically killed on April 28, 1999, in an automobile accident while returning to his home in Harrison, Ark., from the Fayetteville campus. High moral standards and unimpeachable integrity on and off the football field characterized his life.

Chancellor John A. White said, "These students exemplify the life that Brandon Burlsworth led during his time at the University. Through these scholarships, Brandon’s memory will live on and touch the lives of many. The gift of opportunity goes to these students who, like Brandon, are highly effective student leaders with a passion for excellence. We are honored to be a part of the effort to support the Brandon Burlsworth Memorial Scholarship Fund."

Jim Lindsey, University Board of Trustees member and chairman of Lindsey Management Company, Fayetteville, Ark., and Stanley E. Reed, University Board of Trustees member and agricultural businessman, led the second statewide effort last summer to contribute to the fund established for the memorial scholarships. More than 900 participants were involved in eight Brandon Burlsworth memorial golf tournaments played in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Part of the funds raised went to the scholarships and the rest went into an endowment, bringing the total to $425,435. The ultimate goal is to build a $2 million endowment to support the Burlsworth memorial scholarships in perpetuity.

Lindsey said, "The scholarships were created to commemorate the fact that Burlsworth was not only an accomplished athlete but also excelled in the classroom. The response from the tournament participants was great, and we’re hopeful for even better results this summer."

The 2000-2001 academic scholarship recipients are: Subrina Adcock, Harrison, Ark.; Heather Artman, Fayetteville, Ark.; Brandon Beckham, Boonville, Ark.; Brian Brewer, Malvern, Ark.; Corbin Cauldwell, Rogers, Ark.; Jason Daugherty, Morrow, Ark.; Clay Dodson, Harrison, Ark.; Zachary Hagins, Fordyce, Ark.; Sohayla Hamon, Fayetteville, Ark.; Vanessa Kinney, New Blaine, Ark.; Kristy Norris, Green Forest, Ark.; Gretchen Olson, Hicksville, Ohio; James Parks, Hindsville, Ark.; James Patterson, Prairie Grove, Ark.; Catherine Sanders Dodson, Alpena, Ark.; Anita Schwartzman, Fayetteville, Ark.; Amanda Tharel, Booneville, Ark.; and Keri York, Heber Springs, Ark.

The athletic scholarship recipient is Jerry Reith of Fort Smith, Ark.

Requirements for these scholarships include being a resident of Arkansas or a son or daughter of a UA alumnus; being a full-time student at the University of Arkansas; completing 30 hours of study prior to the awarding of the scholarship; and maintaining a high grade-point average.

The tournaments were held at the following locations: Owasso Golf and Athletic Club, Owosso, Okla.; Lost Springs Golf and Athletic Club, Rogers, Ark.; Centennial Valley Gold and Athletic Club, Conway, Ark.; Paradise Valley Athletic Club, Fayetteville, Ark.; Eagle Hill Golf and Athletic Club, Little Rock, Ark.; Course at River Oaks, Searcy, Ark.; and Harrison Country Club, Harrison, Ark.

Burlsworth was a disciplined player on and off the field, one who did not drink, smoke or use foul language. He wore black horn-rimmed glasses, which became his trademark. He also became the first Arkansas player to have earned a master’s degree before playing his last game. Razorback fans will remember Burlsworth for anchoring the offensive line that produced a 9-3 winning record and a trip to the Citrus bowl. On April 17, 1999, he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of NFL draft, the 63^rd selection overall.

Reed said, "With this scholarship, we want to reward students who, like Brandon, come to Fayetteville with little scholarship assistance, but prove themselves exemplary in their academic achievement and moral conduct."

Those interested in supporting the scholarship fund may send any level of contribution to University of Arkansas Foundation - Brandon Burlsworth Scholarship Fund - P. O. Box 1068, Fayetteville, AR 72702.