Source: Brian Spooner, 785-532-6615, spoon1@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Stephanie Jacques, 785-532-0101, sjacques@k-state.edu

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009

TWO K-STATE STUDENTS RECEIVE HOSPIRA SCHOLARSHIPS IN MICROBIOLOGY

MANHATTAN -- A $1,000 gift from a McPherson company is benefiting two Kansas State University students majoring in microbiology.

Hospira, the largest employer in McPherson, gave the money to K-State's Division of Biology for undergraduate scholarship support to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in microbiology.

Maureen Ty, senior, Manhattan, and Hailey Petersen, junior, Overland Park, each are receiving a $500 Hospira Scholarship in Microbiology. Division of Biology administrative faculty chose Ty and Petersen for the scholarships based on their outstanding grade point average, course load and extracurricular activities.

"The generosity of Hospira makes an enormous difference in the lives of these exceptional students," said Kent Kerby, associate professor and coordinator of undergraduate studies for the Division of Biology. "All of us in the Division of Biology are grateful for the support of companies like Hospira who provide wonderful opportunities for our students."

Ty, a K-State honors list student, is involved in the K-State Philippine Student Organization, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the National Scholars Honor Society. She is also active in the Division of Biology Undergraduate Research Program, where she is applying molecular techniques to the genetic diversity of plants in the Phlox family.

"This scholarship is very helpful and I am honored that I have been chosen to receive such a privilege," Ty said.

Petersen, who has been a K-State honors list student, is highly active in her undergraduate research in haplotyping of the capybara, a large rodent native to South America.

"I would love to thank Hospira for realizing how important it is to support students in the research field," Petersen said.

Hospira is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company dedicated to advancing wellness. Hospira's McPherson branch also funds the Hospira Chemistry Scholarship at K-State.