"First Date" scholarship awarded to Army ROTC medic

EUGENE, Ore. -- (Dec. 7, 2007) -- Stefanie Mongan, a senior majoring in sociology at the University of Oregon, has received the first Sheryl Ware Tuck "First Date" Scholarship.

Mongan, a graduate of Springfield High School, received the award based on scholastic merit and scores on the United States Army ROTC Physical Training Test. Her performance at the Army Leadership Development Course and Airborne School was also taken into consideration.

In addition to her university studies, Mongan is an Army medic for the Oregon National Guard, drilling with Echo Company, FSC 141 BSB. Mongan will  be commissioned in June 2008 and serve in the active duty Army as part of the Adjutant General's Corps.

"This scholarship is very important to me and I am honored to be the first recipient of the scholarship dedicated to such a beautiful love story," said Mongan.

The Sheryl Ware Tuck "First Date" Scholarship was established in 2007 by Sheryl Ware Tuck and her husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Tuck, both alumni of the University of Oregon. The scholarship was established as a celebration of the couple's first date at the Army ROTC spring picnic in May 1969. Sheryl Ware Tuck passed away on July 8, 2007. Rich Tuck resides in Moscow, Idaho.

The "First Date" Scholarship is available annually for an Army ROTC student at the UO.

Students who wish to apply for University of Oregon scholarships can find information at http://financialaid.uoregon.edu/.

Media Contact: Julie Brown, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu

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