New Stamps scholarship to benefit freshmen, fund ‘out-of-classroom’ experience

Beginning in fall 2013, the prestigious Penelope W. and E. Roe Stamps IV Leadership Scholarship will award the full cost of undergraduate attendance to outstanding freshmen at Washington University in St. Louis.

Through a generous commitment from the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation and additional support matched by Washington University, an average of five Stamps Scholars a year will receive paid tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies. The merit-based scholarship is renewable through four years, as long as academic, extracurricular and civic performance remains high.

This unique program also includes an enrichment fund of $10,000 per student to be used over four years to pay for outside-the-classroom educational experiences such as study abroad, research or unpaid internships.

“We are pleased to have Washington University in St. Louis partner with us in this scholarship program,” Roe Stamps said. “The university’s reputation for academic excellence fits our mission very well. We chose Washington University because we want to support the nation’s most exceptional students.”

The Stamps Leadership Scholarship program rewards exceptional students who exemplify leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service and innovation. All applicants to Washington University will be considered for this scholarship; no additional Stamps Leadership Scholarship application is required.

“We are delighted that the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation is helping Washington University to attract the most talented students each year,” said John Berg, vice chancellor for undergraduate admissions. “The students and their families will be honored and thrilled when they receive the news and we are very grateful for the foundation’s support.”

In addition to the program at Washington University, the Stamps have established similar programs at 33 leading universities including their alma maters — the University of Michigan (Penny’s alma mater) and Georgia Institute of Technology (Roe’s alma mater).

Stamps Scholarships may only be used at the university that nominates the student. This year, the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation is providing scholarships for 300 students across the country, and the new Stamps Scholars were chosen from more than 160,000 applications.