CONCORD UNIVERSITY STUDENT HAS BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE FIRST LISA BLANKENSHIP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

CONTACT:  Nicole Smith, Public Relations Manager
Concord University Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-6312
nlsmith@concord.edu
www.concord.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 29, 2024

CONCORD UNIVERSITY STUDENT HAS BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE THE FIRST LISA BLANKENSHIP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

ATHENS, WV – Concord University junior, Kaleen Fisher, has been selected as the first recipient of the Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship. Kaleen is from Meadow Bridge, West Virginia. She is a psychology major with a minor in social work. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.

The scholarship will be presented on Saturday, September 28 at the University of Charleston vs. Concord University football game. The Blankenship family invites all those who have contributed to the scholarship fund to attend.

Kaleen says of the honor, “As a proud member of the Concord University cheerleading team, I have the amazing opportunity to represent our school, and support our team at games and events while boosting school spirit. In addition to the financial support for my education, this scholarship inspires me to embody the values that Lisa Blankenship stood for: leadership, dedication and a commitment to excellence. I’m truly grateful and determined to make the most of this opportunity by continuing to contribute positively to the university and community in honor of Lisa’s legacy.”

Lisa Blankenship touched the lives of countless students as a coach, educator and sorority advisor. She was a respected and admired member of the Athens and Concord communities and a friend to many. Lisa passed away unexpectedly in February 2012. The Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship was established by the Blankenship family in memory of a beloved Mountain Lion coach, and her boundless commitment to the CU cheerleading team that she helped build. This is the first endowed scholarship at Concord that assists cheerleaders in pursuing their academic goals.

Sara Blankenship, Lisa’s daughter says, “My family and I are excited to be able to award the Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship this fall. We would like to thank everyone who has made this a reality, especially those who have generously donated to the scholarship fund.”
In order to qualify for the scholarship, recipients must have fully completed two seasons on the Concord University Cheerleading team and be going into their junior or third year at Concord. Additionally, recipients must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and meet additional criteria.

Contributions can be made online HERE or by mail to Concord University Foundation, PO Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712. Please make checks payable to the Concord University Foundation and designate for The Lisa Blankenship Memorial Scholarship.

For additional information about contributing to the scholarship, please call 304-384-5119 or email advancement@concord.edu. For media inquiries, please contact Nicole Smith, Public Relations Manager at 304-384-6312 or nlsmith@concord.edu.

A photo of Concord University cheerleader and psychology major Kaleen Fisher

Kaleen Fisher

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Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 ext. 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus. Concord University may take pictures at these events for publicity purposes.

A photo of Concord University cheerleader and psychology major Kaleen Fisher