Kendra J. Royston, a junior at Stillman College, has been selected to receive a $2,400 UPS Scholarship provided through the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (AAICU).

     Kendra, a native of Huntsville, Ala., and graduate of S.R. Butler High School, is the daughter of Michael J. and Tressa L. Wood Royston. She is majoring in biology and is a member of Blue Pride Marching Band, Golden Sapphire Pep Band, and Symphonic Band. Kendra is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc. and volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

     The Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is a statewide association for private colleges and universities which is affiliated with the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). At the national level, CIC teams up with the UPS Foundation to distribute funding of the UPS Scholarship. This year, CIC awarded nearly $1.45 million in scholarships from its UPS Educational Endowment Fund to private institutions of higher learning across the nation, including a grant of $31,200 to the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of the students’ academic achievement and financial need.

     Founded in 1956, the Alabama Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is a non-profit association whose mission is to promote and protect the interests of independent higher education in Alabama and oversee scholarship fundraising efforts for students attending each of its member schools. For more information visit www.aaicu.net.

     The UPS Educational Endowment Fund, which is held and administered by CIC, was established in the 1980’s through endowment gifts from the UPS Foundation totaling $4 million and is now valued at $39 million. Since its inception, this fund has awarded $48 million in scholarship support to over 16,000 students nationwide.

     “A college degree opens the door to countless opportunities,” said Ken Sternad, president of the UPS Foundation. “UPS takes great pride in our partnership with CIC and in our support of thousands of students over the years who have been able to pursue an education from our nation’s private colleges.”

     “This joint UPS / CIC scholarship program has a direct, tangible impact on the education and careers of hundreds of young men and women each year,” said Richard Ekman, president of CIC. “Because so many young men and women don’t have the financial resources to complete their college education, the UPS Scholarships are critically important.”

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The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of nearly 700 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. To fulfill this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and institutional visibility. In addition, 32 State Fund Members coordinate programs, provide information, and generate contributions, grants, and gifts in support of private colleges and universities within their respective states. The Council is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.cic.edu.

About the UPS Foundation
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain and freight services. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. UPS promotes community involvement through its ongoing volunteerism and grant programs, environmental sustainability and corporate philanthropy. In 2009, UPS’s charitable contributions totaled nearly $100 million and UPS employees and their families contributed more than 1.2 million hours of volunteer service. The company can be found on the web at UPS.com. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.