Jones receives inaugural Randy Van Turner Scholarship

 

Last updated 9/18/2014 at 1:59pm



Eastern Washington University sophomore Jamaal Jones, a sophomore enrolled in the Nursing Program, is the inaugural recipient of the Randy Van Turner Scholarship.

Winners of the $1,000 scholarship must possess a 3.0 GPA, and preference is given to military veterans and descendants of EWU Pi Kappa Alpha members. One scholarship is awarded annually by EWU Libraries.

Jones became interested in the nursing field while serving in the military as a medical technician. He served eight years in the Army, completed three tours of duty in Iraq, and is currently in the military reserves.

In February 2014, a group of Eastern alumni from the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity joined together to give back to the university. Part of their philanthropic endeavor was to establish a scholarship in honor of a founding member of the “Pike” fraternity, Randy Van Turner. Van Turner was part of the ROTC while at EWU and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Radio and TV. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army in 1968 and was killed in action Sept. 25, 1969, in Vietnam. The Silver Star was posthumously awarded to 1st Lt. Van Turner for his gallantry in action while serving with the U.S. III Corps in Southeast Asia.

Like many Eastern students, Jones is a first-generation student, the first in his family to attend college.

He, his wife and 4-year-old son live in Spokane. Upon completion of his degree, he plans to serve this community in the nursing field.

“Receiving this scholarship helps me continue my education,” Jones said. “In that way, I can provide a good example for my son, which to me will be one of my greatest achievements.”

“The EWU Libraries wish Jamaal success in his academic endeavors,” Suzanne Milton, Dean of Libraries, said. “It is a privilege to partner with the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity alumni in our joint commitment to student success. I want to thank the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity for its generosity.”

Milton points out Jones’ record of service and academic endeavors are truly representative of the intent behind this scholarship, which is to honor former 1st Lt. Van Turner’s contributions to his fraternity brothers and to his country.

Residents who would like to give to the Pi Kappa Alpha Fund, can contact the EWU Libraries at (509) 359-2264 or go to the Pi Kappa Alpha Giving page at http://alumni.ewu.edu/supportpk.

 

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