DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (April 3, 2002) - The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) announced today the 13 recipients of the 2002 ASSE Foundation scholarships for students in occupational safety, health and environment programs. The scholarships will be awarded at ASSE's annual Professional Development Conference and Exposition June 9-12 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN. The ASSE Foundation has raised nearly $43,000 this year for college undergraduates and graduates entering the safety profession across the country.

The four Ford Motor Company Scholarship recipients are Misty Newton, Northeastern State University, OK, Safety and Environmental Management undergraduate; Karrie Turman, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Occupational Safety and Health undergraduate; Kathryn Thompson, Keene State College, NH, Safety Studies undergraduate; and Jaime Oxford, Murray State University, KY, Occupational Safety and Health graduate. The two Marsh Risk Consulting Scholarship recipients are Jeffrey Schmitt, Grand Valley State University, MI, Occupational Safety and Health Management undergraduate, and Jennifer Sollenberger, Millersville University, PA, Occupational Safety and Environmental Health undergraduate.

The four United Parcel Service (UPS) Scholarship recipients are Meghan Fetter, Millersville University Occupational Safety and Environmental Health undergraduate; Braithe Landry, Southeastern Louisiana University Occupational Safety and Health undergraduate; Jennifer Williams, Jacksonville State University, AL, Occupational Safety and Health/Industrial Management undergraduate; and Jessica Herrst, Grand Valley State University Occupational Safety and Health undergraduate. The two recipients of the UPS Diversity Scholarship will be announced in April. Applications are still available for this year's diversity scholarships.

In addition, Daniel Nye, Millersville University Occupational Safety and Environmental Health undergraduate, received the Thomas F. Bresnahan Distinguished Service Scholarship; Alison Montgomery, Indiana State University Occupational Safety and Health graduate, received the James P. Kohn Memorial Scholarship; and Sherri Pallen, University of North Dakota Industrial Technology and Safety and Health Environment graduate, received the Thompson Scholarship for Women in Safety.

Eligible applicants must be an ASSE student member enrolled in an occupational safety, health and environment degree program. Also, undergraduates must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 out of 4.0 and take at least twelve semester hours, while graduates must have a GPA of at least 3.5 out of 4.0 and take at least nine semester hours. Previous recipients of the ASSE Foundation scholarship awards are not eligible.

Through its programs the ASSE Foundation is committed to ensuring the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Each year the Foundation awards funds for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. Funding for the Foundation comes from corporations and voluntary donations from ASSE members - individual and through chapters countrywide.

Founded in 1911 and celebrating its 90th anniversary, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety and health organization and is dedicated to protecting people, property and the environment. Its over 30,000 members manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education. For more information visit ASSE's website www.asse.org.