UK Mining Engineering Receives $75,000 in Scholarship Funding

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 23, 2011) — The University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering received a donation of over $75,000 from the Friends of Coal-Kentucky program to support Kentucky students pursuing a degree in mining-related fields.

The scholarships were announced at the UK/University of Louisville football game this past weekend, which was sponsored by Friends of Coal-Kentucky. The scholarships provided came from the proceeds of more than 43,000 "Friends of Coal" license plates that were sold for Kentucky vehicles.

“We’re proud to educate the next generation of mining engineers,” said Rick Honaker, chair of UK’s mining engineering program. “We appreciate this scholarship donation from the Friends of Coal and want to thank every Kentuckian who helped to contribute by purchasing a license plate."

The scholarship funds are utilized to attract high quality students into an engineering profession that is currently in high demand worldwide. Of the 210 students enrolled in the mining engineering program, approximately 180 receive some form of scholarship support. Allocation of the scholarship awards is based on academic achievement.

“The scholarship program has allowed us to attract the best and brightest students across Kentucky into our program. Their talents are needed within the mining industry to address the numerous issues associated with today’s operations. The donation from the Friends of Coal-Kentucky will enhance our ability to continue to supply the industry with talented engineering professionals.”