UAB creates endowed scholarship program for military veterans

A service organization known as Vettes-4-Vets has created a permanent endowment to fund scholarships at UAB for current or former members of the military.

logo4With an initial gift of $10,000 from Vettes-4-Vets, the University of Alabama at Birmingham will create an endowed award for current or former members of the United States military who enroll in degree-granting programs at UAB. Vettes-4-Vets is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 and composed of Corvette owners from Alabama dedicated to helping veterans, current military personnel and their families in times of need.

“This partnership will provide educational and financial support to America’s military men and women and will be critical to their ability to achieve a higher education after their military career,” says Brent Gage, Ph.D., associate provost for enrollment management at UAB.

The initial contribution of $10,000 from Vettes-4-Vets will establish a permanent endowment at UAB.

“Vettes-4-Vets is committed to growing this endowment, and the organization and its generous members have pledged to raise $100,000 to enhance the support the endowment will provide to deserving recipients,” says John O’Malley, Vettes-4-Vets board member.

The initial contribution of $10,000 from Vettes-4-Vets will establish a permanent endowment at UAB.

Priority consideration for scholarship awards will go to those who have served in a theater of war, have received the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart, have received a severe injury or are the recipient of other major service citations.

All donations for the award, whether given to Vettes-4-Vets or directly to UAB, are fully tax-deductible.

Vettes-4-Vets holds a major fundraiser each Memorial Day at the Talladega Superspeedway. Since 2008, the organization has raised more than $110,000 for veteran-related causes, including the Wounded Warriors Foundation, Lakeshore Lima Foxtrot Project, Three Hots and a Cot, SOS of Huntsville and the Alabama War Dog Memorial Foundation.