AU-scholarships

10/26/95

Bob Lowry (lowrygr@mail.auburn.edu)

AUBURN -- Auburn University students rank ninth among students from 1,200 universities nationwide who have participated in a scholarship program sponsored by the fast-food chain Chick-fil-A, Inc.

The Atlanta-based company says 132 AU students have collected $132,000 in scholarships through Chick-fil-A's Team Member Scholarship Program, which has handed out $10 million in scholarships nationwide.

Georgia State University in Atlanta was No. 1, receiving 363 scholarships.

Chick-fil-A established the scholarship program in 1973, giving the $1,000 scholarships to outstanding restaurant employees who "demonstrated a strong work ethic, determination and a commitment to the chain."

The scholarships are not limited to any school or region, nor are the recipients obligated to follow a specific career path.

Company founder and chairman Truett Cathy says he expects the ongoing scholarship program to reach the $20 million mark by 2000, adding, "I consider each scholarship a seed well-planted."

"We feel fortunate to have had such tremendous young people work for Chick-fil-A," says Cathy. "It is a rewarding feeling to play a role in a young person's future, serving as an inspiration for their higher education."

Chick-fil-A is the nation's third largest fast food chicken restaurant, operating about 650 restaurants in 34 states and Canada.

oct95:AU-scholarships