Roseburg, Ore. — In response to the tragic Oct. 1 shootings at Umpqua Community College (UCC) in Roseburg, ATRIO Health Plans has established a First Responders Endowed Scholarship. The fund will provide financial assistance to UCC students enrolled in its Fire Science, Police Academy and EMT/Paramedic programs. ATRIO made the initial donation to the fund and is calling upon its community partners, as well as affiliated organizations and individuals across Oregon, for contributions of any amount to make this a sustainable effort.
“While ATRIO is the catalyst for this effort, it is critical that others lend their support as well,” said Ruth A. Rogers Bauman, ATRIO’s chief executive officer. “Every community relies on its firefighters, police officers and emergency medical teams. Contributing to this fund will ensure future support to those pursuing these important careers.”
UCC Foundation Executive Director Dennis O’Neill said, “We appreciate ATRIO’s sense of community service as we all strive to heal and move forward.” He added that the scholarship will be awarded to recipients who are attending UCC full-time with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The money may be used for tuition, fees, books and educational supplies. The amount and structure of the scholarship will depend on how much is raised and be dispersed in equal amounts each term beginning in fall 2016.
“This scholarship is a timely opportunity for Oregonians to support future generations of first responders,” said Chief Greg B. Marlar of Douglas County Fire District No.2. “It provides a way for people to assist students who are training to serve a critical role in keeping our communities safe.”
“It is an honor to assist these students. We invite others to join us and help make this fund grow,” said Bauman.
The UCC Foundation will manage contributions to the First Responders Scholarship with the goal of growing and maintaining it for years to come. The college will also work with its instructors and community institutions to increase awareness about the fund and raise additional resources to expand it. Visit http://umpqua.edu/scholarships-donations to contribute.
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The UCC Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
ATRIO Health Plans is a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that offers Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) options, as well as a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Special Needs Plans for Dual Eligibles. The health plan is supported by the trusted physicians, who care for individuals and families in the Oregon counties of Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, Marion and Polk. For more information, visitwww.atriohp.com
