Contact: Lindsay Hyman, Qorvis Communications
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Riceville, Iowa Scholar Awarded New Graduate Scholarship of $40,000
Recipient to Pursue Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine

Washington, D.C. – (August 7, 2008) – The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that Tyler M. Dohlman of Riceville, Iowa has been awarded the “Washington Family Horatio Alger Scholarship of Excellence Grant” to assist in funding for a post-graduate education. Tyler is one of the first recipients of the newest scholarship program in the Association’s esteemed set of programs.

Tyler was made eligible for this scholarship because he is a 2004 alumnus of the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program—an award given to high school seniors who have persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, character and contributions to their community. The Washington Family Horatio Alger Scholarship of Excellence Grant is awarded to those who are seeking graduate and doctoral degrees and is made possible by a $10 million donation from Chairman Emeritus and Life Association Member, Dennis R. Washington, and his wife Phyllis.

“These scholars are dedicated to the constant pursuit of learning and giving,” said Washington. “We are proud to support them as they continue to succeed in their educational, career and community endeavors.”

Growing up in an agricultural community, Tyler has always had an interest in the trade despite the hardships it has presented to him. At age seven, Tyler lost his foot in an accident with a farming tractor and has since worn a prosthetic. He shared a special bond with his father in their passion for agriculture and animal life, but when Tyler was a young teenager his father was killed in a similar accident. Continuing his father’s legacy, Tyler is pursing a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University with aspirations of returning to the farm to work in large animal medicine.

“The Washington Family Horatio Alger Scholars have overcome great obstacles and continue to grow as model American citizens. We are delighted to support these individuals as they further their educational and career goals,” said Terrence J. Giroux, Executive Director of the Horatio Alger Association. “The Association is especially thankful for the generous contributions of Dennis and Phyllis Washington and their dedication to the Horatio Alger mission.”

Dennis R. Washington, founder of the Washington Group, also has a Horatio Alger story of inspiration and success. As a child raised in humble circumstances and impacted by polio, Dennis was motivated to overcome his adversity and found himself a vice president of the largest construction company in Montana by age 26. He then proceeded to create his own construction company, which would grow to be one of the largest in the nation. In 1988, Dennis and his wife Phyllis founded the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. The Washingtons have donated $70 million to charitable causes through the Foundation and through their personal contributions.

Nine other individuals were awarded the scholarship as the first class of recipients: Andrew Angely of Fort Collins, Colorado; Shana Joy Bartlett of Coconut Creek, Florida; Christin C. Carothers of Humarock, Massachusetts; Bevin A. Croft of Mount Vernon, Washington; Zenaida Gallardo of Arvin, California; Kanathy N. Haney of Coconut Creek, Florida; Ashley D. McKain of Foley, Alabama; Amy N. Robertson Losier of Copeland, Kansas; and Kristine Kaye Whipple of Bountiful, Utah.

About the Horatio Alger Association:
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program and state scholarship programs, available to high school seniors in all 50 states, and the Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship Program for U.S. veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. The Association awards more than $12 million annually in college scholarships and has given over $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The Association is a 2008 Combined Federal Campaign participant, ID# 77062. For more information about the scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org.    

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