2015-16 Tillman Scholars John Pasciak and Mary Lynn Conroy. Photo by Aimee Blodgett
TAMPA, Fla. (June 9, 2015) – The University of South Florida and Pat Tillman Foundation announced today that two students have been selected as 2015-16 Tillman Scholars. Mary Lynn Conroy, an MBA student, and John Pasciak, a student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, are the recipients of this year’s scholarships.
Conroy, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and U.S. Army veteran, served as a human intelligence officer in Iraq and Korea, post 9/11. Tasked with analyzing the funding sources of local terrorist networks and anti-state organizations, Conroy uncovered her passion for a career in the financial industry focusing on countering terrorist network financing. She is expected to graduate in December 2015 with her MBA with a specialization in Compliance, Risk and Anti-Money Laundering.
A two-time Bronze Star recipient, Pasciak served his military career in the U.S. Army infantry in Iraq and Afghanistan after enlisting in the wake of 9/11. As a USF Health student, Pasciak will receive a scholarship for the next two academic years, helping him to earn a Doctor in Pharmacy with specialization in Pharmacogenomics. Upon his anticipated graduation in 2017, he hopes to practice at a Veterans Affairs hospital where he can leverage his military experience while assisting the veterans he admires as a trusted part of their medical team.
“We are very proud to welcome Mary and John as our newest Tillman Scholars on the USF campus,” said Lawrence Braue, director of the university’s Office of Veterans Services. “Their admirable military careers, dedicated academic pursuits, and pure passion to continue to serve their country in impactful civilian careers are just some of the reasons they were selected for this distinguished award.”
“The university also thanks the Pat Tillman Foundation for our continued partnership. It is a true honor to be affiliated with an organization that values America’s deserving veterans and their education.”
USF is one of 18 Tillman Scholar University Partners in the country and was selected based on its innovative, veteran-specific support services and culture.
About the Pat Tillman Foundation
In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships–building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation, visit www.PatTillmanFoundation.org.