Horatio Alger Association Honors Two California Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists, Elizabeth Holmes and Gilbert Edward LeVasseur Jr., Along With Seven National Scholarship Recipients from the State
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2015
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McKenna Young
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Horatio Alger Association Honors Two California Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists, Elizabeth Holmes and Gilbert Edward LeVasseur Jr., Along With Seven National Scholarship Recipients from the State
Elizabeth Holmes, Gilbert Edward LeVasseur Jr. and the Scholars are recognized by the Association for their remarkable achievements in the face of adversity and their commitment to higher education
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 9, 2015) – Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, will induct California residents Elizabeth Holmes, founder and CEO of Theranos, and Gilbert Edward LeVasseur Jr., chairman and CEO of LeVasseur Capital Partners, LLC, as a lifetime Members in April. Concurrently, seven outstanding California students will be awarded the prestigious Horatio Alger National Scholarship. Association Members and Scholars are selected based on their integrity and determination to succeed in the face of significant adversity, and Members often become mentors to this future generation of leaders.
Named for renowned author Horatio Alger Jr., who wrote about the merits of honesty, courage and
perseverance as the means to success, Horatio Alger Association was established in 1947 to uphold these tenets, which are core to achieving the American Dream. To further its mission, individuals who have achieved great success despite facing significant personal challenges and who demonstrate initiative, resilience and excellence, such as Ms. Holmes and Mr. LeVasseur, are inducted into the Association annually as lifetime Members.
“My fellow Members and I could not be more thrilled to formally induct Ms. Holmes and Mr. LeVasseur as lifetime Members of Horatio Alger Association,” said David Sokol, chairman of Horatio Alger Association. “Ms. Holmes’ entrepreneurial spirit, revolutionary business model and encouragement of girls to pursue degrees in STEM fields will resonate with our female Scholars. Equally, the work ethic and perseverance of Mr. LeVasseur, which has resulted in his achievement of exceptional professional success, will set an excellent example for these young men and women from California. We look forward to working together with both Members as we continue to advance the mission of the Association.”
Since 1984, Horatio Alger Association has administered one of the nation’s largest privately funded, needbased scholarship programs, which provides educational assistance to at-risk youth with an admirable commitment to continuing their education and serving their communities. The Association has provided more than $100 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships since 1984. The following students from California have been recognized for their exceptional accomplishments with the 2015 Horatio Alger National Scholarship in the amount of $22,000:
– Lorraine Ador Dionisio, Santa Susana High School, Simi Valley, CA
– Keegan Brady, Burlingame High School, Burlingame, CA
– Brian Leung, Pleasant Grove High School, La Jolla, CA
– Samuel Martin, The Preuss School UCSD, San Diego, CA
– Sonia Moreno, Azusa High School, Azusa, CA
– Allison Talker, Raoul Wallenberg Traditional High School, San Francisco, CA
– Khalil Williams, Apple Valley High School, Apple Valley, CA
“Higher education has the power to unlock new doors that lead to a brighter future” said Tony Novelly, president and CEO of Horatio Alger Association. “What makes the group of 2015 National Scholars from California so extraordinary is that they too believe in the power of a college degree as a means to a better life. I am proud to reward these young men and women for their strength and determination – both academically and personally.”
Ms. Holmes, Mr. LeVasseur and their fellow new Members will be formally inducted into the Association at the 68th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. on April 9-11, 2015. The annual three-day event honors the achievements of the Members and also recognizes the 2015 Horatio Alger National Scholars, affording both groups the opportunity to meet and interact, exchanging stories of hardships, triumphs and successes.
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About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.