2008 Haslam Scholars

Selection criteria for the inaugural class of Haslam Scholars included scholastic achievement, leadership potential, maturity and seriousness of purpose, and special talents.

Haslam Scholars will be part of an intimate study group mentored by top UT faculty. Program benefits include a $1,500 laptop computer and a study-abroad experience valued at $4,000, as well as up to $5,500 to support a senior research thesis and travel to present their work.

Haslam Scholars also will receive a Chancellor's scholarship, UT's most prestigious merit-based financial award.

Listed below are the 2008 Class of Haslam Scholars:

	Alex AuBuchon Henry County High School Paris, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship AuBuchon, who plans to major in English, has been active in speech, theater and music.
	Morgan Baltz Mt. Juliet High School Mt. Juliet,Tenn. Wright Scholarship Baltz, who plans to major in chemical engineering, is president of her school's science and Spanish clubs, and she has been a competitive dancer for 15 years.
	Anna-Lise Burnette Seymour High School Seymour, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Burnette is one of two National Merit Finalists in Sevier County. A writer, poet, and singer, she plans to major in cultural anthropology or English.
	Kelley Callaway Bearden High School Knoxville, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Callaway, who plans to major in pre-med, biomedical engineering, is also a softball player.
	Caitlin Conley Christ Presbyterian Academy Franklin, Tenn. Morris Scholarship Conley, who plans to major in pre-med via chemistry, enjoys soccer and science.
	Margaret Conley Daniel Boone High School Jonesborough, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Conley, who grew up on a family-owned dairy farm, plans to major in animal science and work as a small animal veterinarian. She has been active in Tennessee Girls State, 4-H and her school's soccer team.
	Charlie Edwards Lawrence County High School Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Roddy Scholarship Edwards, who plans to major in enterprise management, has been active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student government and Key Club. He is part of his school's chorus and will sing at Carnegie Hall this summer.
	Aeron Glover Whitehaven High School Memphis, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Glover, who plans to major in either mechanical or computer engineering, is president of his school's Future Business Leaders of America. He also runs track.
	Alexander Happ Westminster Academy Germantown, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Happ, who plans to major in math, enjoys singing and athletics.
	Chelsea Knotts Ripley High School Ripley, W. Va. Roddy Scholarship Knotts plans to major in exercise science and eventually attend medical school. She is a runner and dancer.
	Bert Ruyten Tullahoma High School Tullahoma, Tenn. Wright Scholarship Ruyten is interested in music and engineering. He also enjoys writing, photography and public speaking.
	Candance Swanigan Central High School Memphis, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Swanigan plans to major in psychology. She enjoys tutoring and helping teachers with errands.
	Elizabeth Tiller American Christian Academy Tuscaloosa, Ala. Peyton Manning Scholarship Tiller is captain of her school's track and cross-country teams, and she enjoys cooking and reading. She plans to major in Spanish.
	Brittany Vasquez Morristown Hamblen High School Morristown, Tenn. Wright Scholarship Vasquez is the captain of her school's varsity girls' soccer team. She plans to major in forensic pathology and international relations, and she wants to join the Peace Corps after she graduates.
	Mark Walker Oak Ridge High School Oak Ridge, Tenn. Neyland Scholarship Walker spent seven years living in Cardiff, Wales. He plays the piano and cello and enjoys ballroom dancing. He has participated in Model UN and student council. He wants to major in pre-med.

The UT program was created with $2.5 million from Jimmy and Dee Haslam. Jimmy Haslam is president and CEO of Pilot Travel Centers. Dee Haslam is CEO of RIVR Media and also chairs the UT Development Council. The Haslams chair the Campaign for Tennessee for the Knoxville campus.

Jim and Natalie Haslam contributed an additional $2.5 million to support the program. Jim Haslam is chairman of the board of Pilot Travel Centers LLC and chairman of the board and president of Pilot Corp.