SUBJECT: ERSKINE COLLEGE E.B. KENNEDY SCHOLARSHIP NAMED ONE OF THE BEST

for immediate release

DUE WEST, SC - The E.B. Kennedy Scholarship program at Erskine College has been selected for inclusion in The Student Guide to AMERICA'S BEST COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS: 1998-1999, to be published by John Culler & Sons and distributed in the fall of 1997.

Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc. was commissioned to perform a survey of admissions offices at 1,784 two-year and four-year residential colleges and universities regarding the availability of merit-based financial aid, and on the basis of this survey the E.B. Kennedy Scholarship at Erskine College was chosen.

Nominated scholarships must meet a number of requirements, including availability only on the basis of merit; dollar value of at least 50 percent of the annual cost of attendance including tuition, fees, room and board; independence of residency requirements; and administration by the institution and derivation from institutional funds or endowments or from outside private sources not related to any local, state or federal governments.

An attractive two-page spread in AMERICA'S BEST COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS will be devoted to Erskine College, and will feature photographs depicting campus life along with an introduction to the school and accurate information on enrollment, degrees offered, housing, activities, sports, and application procedures. There is no charge to the institutions chosen, which are included strictly on the basis of merit.

"The E.B. Kennedy Scholarship program brings top students to Erskine every year. It has been a premiere scholarship and deserves this award," said Erskine Public Relations Director Jason Peevy.

Erskine President Dr. James W. Strobel said, "This is an excellent opportunity for Erskine, the E.B. Kennedy Scholarship program, and our overall effort to let more and more people know about Erskine."

The E.B. Kennedy Scholarships are funded by the Edward C. Stuart Foundation, Inc., in Bartow, Fla., and an E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Fund. Miss L. Crosland Stuart, daughter of Mr. William "Bill" Stuart, Jr., previous Chairman, serves as Chair of the E.B. Kennedy Scholarship Program.

"Erskine College is very grateful for the generosity of the Stuart family in establishing this scholarship program," said Dr. James Gettys, Vice President and Dean. "And particularly for the leadership of Miss Crosland Stuart of Orlando and Mr. Bill Stuart of Bartow who devote their time and talents each year to the program."

Inspired by Dr. E.B. Kennedy, beloved Erskine alumnus, teacher and respected minister, the scholarship is awarded to high school seniors demonstrating leadership and service in their communities, churches, and schools. Awards are based solely on merit, with emphasis on candidates' Christian commitment, leadership potential, scholastic achievement, and vigorous outlook.

Founded in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, Erskine is the oldest four-year church-related college in South Carolina.