OXFORD,
Miss. – A Monroe County native is the inaugural recipient of a new
engineering scholarship at the University of Mississippi.
William
Anthony Peoples of Aberdeen has been awarded the John Henry Walker and
Lillie Mae Sanders Walker Memorial Scholarship. UM alumnus Henry Allen
Walker of Southaven endowed the award as a tribute to his late parents.
“Neither of my parents had the opportunity to finish high school, but they knew the value of having an education to provide and pursue opportunities for a better life,” Walker said. “Their encouragement, sacrifices and hard work gave me the opportunity to attend Ole Miss and become the first member in my family to earn a college degree.”
An incoming freshman, Peoples expressed his appreciation for being chosen for the scholarship.
“This award really helped me decide to come to Ole Miss,” Peoples said. “I wouldn’t be here without it.”
Peoples is a graduate of Aberdeen High School. His parents are Tony and Sandra Peoples of Aberdeen. Upon completion of his bachelor’s degree, his career goal is to work in the GPS systems department of a major manufacturer such as Toyota Motor Company.
Walker Scholarship recipients are to be full-time UM students pursuing engineering degrees. Preference is given to Mississippi residents who are from historically disadvantaged ethnic groups, have substantial financial need and participate in community service.
A native of Louisville, Walker received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the university in 1976, followed by an M.B.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi. A longtime employee of International Paper Co., he has served on the UM Alumni Board of Directors, Engineering Alumni Board, Steering Committee for the Campaign for Engineering Excellence and the Black Alumni Advisory Board.
For more information about the School of Engineering, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/engineering or call 662-915-7407.