Paul J. Schupf Scholarship for Iraqi Students Announced
Baghdad teen, Dan Azad, is first recipient

         WATERVILLE, Dec. 20 — Dan Azad, an Iraqi teenager recently featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “World News” will be the first recipient of the Paul J. Schupf Scholarship for Iraqi students at Thomas College.
         Schupf was deeply moved by the ABC broadcasts that depicted the life of the 18-year-old Azad and his desire to pursue his dream of attending college in the United States, free from the violence in Iraq. Schupf, a Hamilton, N.Y. investor and philanthropist, contacted Thomas President George Spann shortly after the broadcast to establish the scholarship. The fund will provide full tuition, room and board at Thomas for Azad, in addition to other Iraqi students in the future.
         “Thomas is the perfect place,” said Schupf. He hopes the fund will inspire others to follow his example and that such “reverse Fulbright” scholarships will offer more Iraqi students, such as Azad, the chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.
         Living in Baghdad is a daily struggle for Azad. He spends his days at school, sometimes running for cover as gun shots ring out near the school grounds. In the evening, he is a prisoner in his own home, fearful of the violence that has ravaged the city. Last year, his best friend, Mohammed, was shot to death while walking with Azad.
         The teenager has interests in music and computers, and is currently a senior at the School of Music and Ballet in Baghdad where he plays the oboe.
         Spann called the teenager on December 17 and offered him a scholarship to attend Thomas, as well as air fare to the United States. Azad was elated with offer. The College is currently pursuing the necessary documentation for Azad to enter the U.S.

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