51在线 nursing student and United States Air Force veteran Grete Lenz is part of an elite group from around the country selected this week as .
She is the only student from a 51在线 university in this year鈥檚 Tillman class of 60 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses.
Lenz is currently pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in nurse anesthesia from USF after serving in the Air Force for seven years as a commissioned officer and a nurse, including one deployment to Niger. Lenz鈥檚 decision to join was influenced by her grandfather鈥檚 service in the Air Force and her desire to make a difference after witnessing the events of September 11, 2001.
She expects to graduate from USF in December and plans to pursue a career working at a Veterans Affairs hospital to help ensure military veterans receive quality care.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more proud to accept the honor of becoming a Tillman Scholar and join such a distinguished group of recipients,鈥� Lenz said. 鈥淚 really want to continue to make a difference in the lives of other veterans, and this award will help me achieve my goals.鈥�
The Pat Tillman Foundation invests more than $1.2 million in this year鈥檚 class of scholars, who are selected in recognition of their service, leadership and potential. The funding awards help students pursue higher education and continue their service in the fields of healthcare, business, law, public service, STEM, education and the humanities.
鈥淭illman Scholars are uniquely positioned to make an impact with effects that will ripple across communities and around the world,鈥� Marie Tillman, board chair and co-founder of the Pat Tillman Foundation, revealing the scholars. 鈥淲e are proud and excited to announce the 2019 class, and are looking forward to seeing how this incredible group of people makes their mark in the years to come.鈥�
Since the first class of Tillman Scholars in 2009, 18 USF students have received the award, and only four schools have had more recipients.
鈥淕rete is a very high-character individual, an outstanding student and a person with a strong commitment to service,鈥� said Larry Braue, director of the USF Office of Veteran Success. 鈥淗er aspirations to help others through a career in nursing reflects why she is a great choice to represent the 51在线 and the Tillman Foundation.鈥�
USF is consistently recognized as one of the most veteran-friendly schools in the United States. Military Times magazine has placed USF in the top two nationally for four consecutive years in its 鈥淏est for Vets鈥� college rankings.