American Foundation for the Blind Awards Scholarships to 11 Outstanding Students With Vision Loss

New York (July 6, 2006)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) today announced the 2006 recipients of its annual scholarships for students in higher education who are blind or visually impaired.

Eleven scholarships were awarded this year, totaling $17,000. The grants support one of AFB's most important goals: expanding access to education for students with vision loss. "AFB feels honored to have the opportunity to help further the academic growth of young adults," said Carl R. Augusto, President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind. "Education is a key ingredient in the recipe for successful careers and healthy lifestyles."

The awardees are:

The Delta Gamma Foundation Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial Scholarship: one grant of $1,000 to a legally blind undergraduate or graduate student studying rehabilitation and/or education of people who are blind or visually impaired.

John McMahon of Escanaba, Michigan, Western Michigan University

The Ferdinand Torres AFB Scholarship: one grant of $1,500 to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student who is legally blind and presents evidence of economic need; the applicant must reside in the United States, but need not be a citizen; preference given to New York City residents.

Aneeqa Sarwar of Burke, Virginia, Northern Virginia Community College

The Karen D. Carsel Memorial Scholarship: one grant of $500 to a legally blind full-time graduate student who presents evidence of economic need.

Tsivia Finman of Oak Park, Michigan, Wayne State University

The Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship: one grant of $1,000 to a legally blind undergraduate or graduate student studying engineering, computer, physical or life sciences.

Joshua Cowan of Panama City, Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology

The R.L. Gillette Scholarship: two grants of $1,000 to women who are legally blind and enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program in literature or music.

Caitlin Lynch of Hauppauge, New York, Manhattanville College
Molly Faerber of Newport, Rhode Island, Hamilton College

The Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship: four grants of $2,500 to undergraduate or graduate students who are legally blind and studying rehabilitation and/or education of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Judith Turner of Portage, Wisconsin , Northern Illinois University
Sharon McLennon of Yonkers, New York, State University of New York at Buffalo
Dawn D. Arthur of Tallahassee, Florida, Florida State University
Mary Billington of Brooklyn, New York, Barnard College

Guide Dogs for the Blind Dorthea and Roland Bohde Personal Achievement Scholarship: one grant of $1,000 to a full-time, undergraduate student who exhibits academic excellence.