Lilly Awards Eighty-two Students with Reintegration Scholarship

22-Nov-2000

Eli Lilly and Company has announced the selection of 82 recipients of the 2000-2001 Lilly Reintegration Scholarship. Now in its third year, the scholarship program is designed to help persons with schizophrenia and related schizophrenia-spectrum disorders acquire the educational and vocational skills they need to reintegrate into society.

"Schizophrenia is a disease that strikes people when they are just beginning to plan their lives - in their teens and twenties," explained Gino Santini, president U.S. Operations, Eli Lilly and Company. "With a combination of good medical treatment and community support, people with schizophrenia have the potential to reclaim their lives and become vital contributors to society. This scholarship is another way for Lilly to help people with mental illness reintegrate. We're very proud of the Lilly Reintegration Scholarship and the dedication and drive of these students."

Of the 82 recipients from 25 states, 47 are previous winners successfully continuing their education. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges comprised of nine psychiatric care professionals. Levels of study range from high school equivalency programs to graduate degrees, with the areas of endeavor including engineering, law, psychiatry, graphic design, social work, architecture, education and culinary arts. Students will be attending such schools as University of Illinois Chicago, Johns Hopkins University, Boston College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Community College of Rhode Island and Glenwood Beauty Academy.

Susan Wallace, a 2000 Lilly Reintegration Scholarship recipient, attends classes part-time at Fullerton College in Fullerton, Calif. "I have a new excitement toward life and learning," said Wallace. "The Lilly Scholarship makes me feel like someone believes in me. I feel privileged, thankful and proud." Wallace plans to transfer to California State University, Fullerton, to receive her bachelor's degree in physics with a minor in women's studies.

"The bar of expectations is rising for individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders. It is no longer acceptable just to keep someone symptom free and out of the hospital," said Ralph Aquila, M.D., director of residential community services at St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York and chairman of the scholarship judging panel. "It's great to see so many students able to take advantage of this program and make their dreams come true."

For more information, or to be placed on the mailing list for next year's program, please call the Lilly Awards Secretariat at 800-809-8202.

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