Ohio University Welcomes Inaugural Class of Templeton Scholars
Contact: George E. Mauzy Jr., media specialist, (740) 597-1794
Editors: Headshots of the scholars are available in alphabetical order at: www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/
ATHENS, Ohio (September 7, 2000) -- John Newton Templeton made history when he became the first African-American to graduate from Ohio University in 1828. This fall, 11 freshmen have created a new milestone for multicultural students as members of the inaugural class of Templeton Scholars.
The scholarship program was designed to attract exceptional minority students to campus. Each scholarship covers the cost of in-state tuition, room and board and books for the academic year. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must rank in the top 20 percent of their high school graduation class and have a minimum score of 28 on the ACT or 1240 on the SAT college entrance exams. The scholarships are renewable provided the students complete 16 credit hours and maintain a 3.3 GPA.
The 2000-01 Templeton Scholars are Kenneth Acker of Gahanna, Ohio; Alexia Finotello of Kent, Ohio; Monica Gutierrez of Defiance, Ohio; Cara Lewis of Rowlett, Texas; Michael Martinez of Lorain, Ohio; Danielle Moore of Middletown, Ohio; Kevin Naji of Houston, Texas; David Piedrahita of Mentor, Ohio; Jesse Raney of Gahanna, Ohio; Regis Saxton of Richmond Heights, Ohio; and Dalia Wheatt of Cleveland, Ohio.
"This select group of students will no doubt carry on the tradition of academic excellence established at Ohio University by John Newton Templeton," said Assistant Vice President for Administration G. Christine Taylor, who directs the scholarship program. "I look forward to the long-term contributions they will make to Ohio University during their academic and professional careers."
In July, the scholars participated in the Legacy Program, a one-week workshop that provided them with an opportunity to meet other students and become familiar with campus. The workshop also helped them develop decision-making and time management skills, plan a personal program for academic success and explore opportunities for campus involvement and positive social experiences.
John Newton Templeton was the fourth African-American in the nation and the first in the Midwest to earn a college degree. Born a slave in South Carolina around 1805, he was emancipated in 1813. He went on to educate other African-Americans as a principal and teacher at the African School in Pittsburgh, that cityıs first school for African-American students. Templeton died in 1851.
