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October 2008>

August 2008

January 2008

August 2008 | E-Newsletter

In this Issue

Leadership Through Action™ - Tillman Scholars Completes Year, Welcomes New Scholars

The academic year for the Leadership Through Action™(LTA) program ended on a very high note. Tillman Scholars from the 2007-2008 class hosted a luncheon to show their appreciation to the mentors, professors, Foundation, and others who played a part in enriching their experiences in the program. The presentation emphasized the formal teachings of the program, the service projects, as well as personal gains and lessons from each scholar. Themes such as community, passion, action, and commitment surfaced as part of the presentation. Each scholar also shared how the program has impacted their personal growth, and everyone in attendance could see the benefits of surrounding oneself with driven, intellectual, passionate, and caring people who want to lead for change.

As last year's class moves on to places such as flight school, graduate school, and even to different parts of the country in pursuit of their passions and careers, the incoming class of Tillman Scholars will be welcomed this month by Tillman Scholar alumni, mentors, and the Foundation and W. P. Carey School of Business staff.  With 17 incoming freshmen chosen for their leadership potential, this class represents a broad spectrum of interests, activities, and community involvement. The scholars hail from Pat's hometown of San Jose, California to Oklahoma, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Arizona.  These new Tillman Scholars will embark on a multi-year leadership experience beginning with their first LTA class on August 26. View brief bios of the new Tillman Scholars by clicking here.

Pat's Run in Tempe, San Jose Enjoy Continued Growth,
2009 Dates Announced

Pat's Run San JoseTo the first-timers and to those who make it an annual tradition, we extend a thank you for your participation in Pat's Run. This year's event in Tempe set a new record of 15,500 registrations and included an expanded expo area. The San Jose event also enjoyed a record attendance of 6,000 on a beautiful morning at Pat Tillman Stadium, Leland High School. See race results, view and order photos, and order additional Pat' Run shirts at www.patsrun.com.

Ready for next year? Pat's Run 2009 dates are Saturday, April 18 for Tempe, and Saturday, April 25 for San Jose. Registration will be available shortly;keep checking www.patsrun.com for updates.

Pat's Run Pat's legacy can be extended in so many ways through the foundation in his name, that I encourage all my friends and family to support this event every year. I am unable to RUN these days as I have back fractures and disc problems that prevent me from actually running the 4.2 miles… I will walk-run to my tolerance and I will feel extremely proud to support the cause and the legacy of this great man."  Jim Crupi, Mesa, AZ

 

Tillman Scholars, Mentors Form Strong Relationships

Active mentorships with members of the business, non-profit and academic community are key to the success of the Tillman Scholar experience. Ken Kobbs has served as a mentor for the Leadership Through Action™ for two years. When asked about his involvement with Tillman Scholars, this is what Ken had to say, "It is an honor to be a Tillman Mentor. All the LTA students are all so very talented, driven, creative and inspiring, especially Jordan Curry and Jason Dove, the two students with whom I worked. Ken and his mentee JordanMy experience has been so rewarding and uplifting in many ways. Mentoring has served as an avenue for me to be able to share some of my life's true experiences outside of the classroom with these students and perhaps help guide them through a very tough and challenging time in their young lives.

Helping others, giving completely of oneself and being a leader to others are part of what made Pat Tillman so special. Being a mentor with the LTA has allowed me to emulate a small part of these traits. In my life, it has become very easy for me to get caught up in my own world. But, by serving as a Tillman Mentor, I am able to offer some guidance or help to the students.

Ken's mentee, Jordan Curry, Tillman Scholar in 2006, is grateful for the support he received.
"Ken was my mentor in the Leadership Through Action™ program during the 2006-2007 academic year, and we still talk on a regular basis. His generosity, kindness and willingness to help have not receded since our mentor relationship started over two years ago. He continues to mentor new LTA scholars every year, yet somehow finds the time to stay in touch with his past mentees. While my active involvement with the LTA program ended with the academic year, I've been able to continue my service project and live by the "once a Tillman Scholar, always a Tillman Scholar" mantra, maintaining strong relationships with many of the great people involved with the Pat Tillman Foundation, especially my mentor, Ken Kobbs.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for the Leadership Through Action™ program, please contact Hope Larsen at hope.larsen@asu.edu for more information or an application.

"42 in 42" Challenge Is Exceeded

April 19, 2008 was not only the day that marked the 4th Annual Pat's Run in Tempe, AZ. It was also the kick-off date for a grassroots effort of volunteers who wanted to honor Pat Tillman by giving back to their own communities. The project was called "42 in 42" and it was organized by Sean Connelly, an employee of Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, TX. Sean and fellow employees at Lockheed Martin challenged their colleagues to design and execute 42 service projects in 42 days. This was a large undertaking, but one that Connelly felt passionate about and knew he could accomplish with the help of his peers.

While the concept was to execute 42 service projects in 42 days, it ultimately became a national movement and successfully accomplished 138 service projects. More than 1,400 Lockheed Martin employees, friends and family gave their time and resources to benefit communities in 12 states. Projects included raising funds for breast cancer research, sewing blankets for ill children and light construction to42 in 42 improve animal shelters. At the conclusion of the 42 days, the "42 in 42" volunteers spent more than 7,000 hours and raised over $120,000 for numerous charities.

The Pat Tillman Foundation appreciates the incredible efforts of Sean Connelly and all of the Lockheed Martin employees, friends and family who took part in "42 in 42."  Taking action, making positive change and living passionately are all qualities that Pat Tillman embodied. It is with the energy and conviction of others that the Foundation is able to carry forward that legacy.

'Team Tillman' Readies for ING New York City Marathon

For a second year in a row a team of 25 marathoners are training and fundraising in preparation for the ING New York City Marathon on November 2, 2008. While this year's diverse team represents eight different states, each team member is motivated in some way by Pat's life and the work of the Foundation to carry forth his legacy.

See team members' Web pages, support a runner, or make a general team donation online by clicking here.

Donate Through Your Employer's United Way Program

Live United It is very easy to make your support of the Pat Tillman Foundation a part of your regular annual or payroll deduction giving through the United Way. Here's how:  on your paper or online pledge form, under Donor Designation, Partner Agencies, simply insert "Pat Tillman Foundation" in the space provided for "Organization not already listed".

Support the Pat Tillman Foundation

The continued success and expansion of the Leadership Through Action™ program is made possible by your support. Click here to make a gift to the Pat Tillman Foundation. If you wish to learn more about sponsoring a Tillman Scholar, please contact Shawn Jones at smjones@pattillmanfoundation.org.