Thursday, February 12, 2004

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Feb. 12, 2004) - The East Tennessee State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics' announced on Monday that Wellmont Health Systems has agreed to continue its support of ETSU student-athletes by contributing a total of $30,000 annually over the next three years to the Pirate Club Scholarship Fund. As part of this agreement, Wellmont's logo will continue to appear on the electronic marquee on the west and east sides of Memorial Center, while signage will also be displayed inside Memorial Center. In addition, the ETSU Foundation and the ETSU James H. Quillen College of Medicine will establish an endowed scholarship for a worthy Buccaneer student-athlete. "We're so grateful for the continued support of Wellmont Health System," said Jo Anne Paty, ETSU's director of athletic advancement. "Investing in these young people yields a very high return for our community, and our country." Of the entire $30,000 agreement, $23,000 will go to the general athletic scholarship fund, while $7,000 will be used to create the Wellmont Health Systems Scholarship Endowment. This endowment will provide financial assistance to a student-athlete who is preparing for a career in medicine or other allied health profession. To be eligible for the scholarship award, the student must meet all university and NCAA requirements for academic and intercollegiate sports eligibility, must have a 3.0 GPA from high school and must maintain a 3.0 GPA while at ETSU, and must be enrolled in the pre-med curriculum or other allied health course of study. The scholarship will be given annually. According to Wellmont CEO Eddie George, the agreement is an indication of their dedication to ETSU student-athletes and the continued success of Buccaneer athletics. "The student-athletes who lead on the playing field today will be the leaders in their chosen professions tomorrow," George said. "Wellmont Health System is pleased to continue our support of these exceptional young men and women, and we are particularly proud to provide financial support for those student-athletes who are preparing to join the healthcare profession."