Sam Noble Scholarship applications now available

NEWS RELEASE
Issued - November 2, 2009

ARDMORE, Okla. — Applications for Sam Noble Scholarships in agriculture and technology are now available from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

Entering its 12th year of assisting students, the Sam Noble Scholarships are available to eligible southern Oklahoma students in all stages of higher education - from incoming freshmen to those seeking graduate degrees.

"The Sam Noble Scholarships play a pivotal role in providing opportunities for students in southern Oklahoma," said Donna Windel, Director of Granting at the Noble Foundation. "We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and apply as soon as possible."

Scholarships for students seeking undergraduate degrees in agriculture-related fields provide $2,500 of support per semester for up to nine semesters, while scholarships for graduate students offer $3,125 per semester for up to five semesters. Applicants must pursue their education at a university awarding baccalaureate or higher degrees through a division or college of agriculture, such as Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Texas Tech University (Lubbock campus) or Texas A&M University (College Station campus).

Scholarships for those seeking degrees or certification in technology-related fields are for $3,750 per year for up to two years. Applicants must pursue an associate's degree or technical certificate at Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma City or Okmulgee campus.

To be eligible to receive a scholarship, students must plan to attend or be attending a qualifying university or technology training institution during the academic year 2010 - 2011. The students must also be a resident of one of the following southern Oklahoma counties: Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Coal, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Pontotoc, Pushmataha or Stephens.

The scholarship program is named in honor of the late Sam Noble, who created the program through a gift to the Noble Foundation. Sam Noble was a long-time member of the Noble Foundation Board of Trustees and son of Lloyd Noble, who founded the organization in 1945.

"Sam Noble believed a quality education was one of the keys to leading a successful life," said Michael A. Cawley, president of the Noble Foundation. "He once said, 'An excellent education is something that no one can ever take away from you; you can use it the rest of your life.'"

The Sam Noble Scholarships are one of the Noble Foundation's many avenues for supporting higher education. The Noble Foundation's efforts to provide educational opportunities began in 1946 with the organization's first grant to the University of Oklahoma.

Requests for applications for the Sam Noble Scholarships in agriculture and technology may be submitted online at http://www.noble.org/Philanthropy/scholarship.html or by contacting Annie Coble at 580.224.6247. Completed scholarship applications must be received on or before Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

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For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact:

J. Adam Calaway

jacalaway@noble.org

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.