$50,000 Larry J. Milstead Wildlife Endowment Established to Empower Future Conservationists at SWTX

PHOTO ID (l-r): Dr. Dean Wiemers Wildlife Management Instructor, David Rios Wildlife Biologist, Lee Milstead, Robert Zaiglin Wildlife Management Assistant Professor, Daniel Tidwell, Wildlife Management Instructor

Uvalde, TX, September 6, 2024 - Southwest Texas College (SWTX) proudly announces a significant contribution to its Wildlife Management program by establishing the Larry J. Milstead Wildlife Endowment. The endowment, created by Mrs. Lee Milstead in memory of her late husband, Larry J. Milstead, aims to support students who demonstrate a passion for wildlife management and a commitment to academic excellence.

The Larry J. Milstead Wildlife Endowment was established to provide financial support to deserving students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Wildlife Management at SWTX. Mrs. Lee Milstead, alongside the Wildlife Management Department at SWTX, will personally participate in selecting scholarship recipients. This prestigious scholarship offers $5,000, distributed as $2,500 per long-term semester, to one high school senior with outstanding academic performance and a strong work ethic.

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Larry J. Milstead Wildlife Endowment, students must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: Applicants must reside in Uvalde, Zavala, or Real County.
• Academic Performance: Beginning students must have a high school GPA of at least 2.5.
• Continuing students: Must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, remain in good academic and disciplinary standing, and be enrolled as full-time students.
• Essay Submission: Students must submit a two-page, typed, and double-spaced essay following MLA style guidelines. The essay should explore their inspiration for pursuing a career in Wildlife Management and outline their future goals with an associate degree in the field.

Administration of the Scholarship
The Larry J. Milstead Wildlife Endowment is supported by an initial $50,000 contribution, with additional donations expected over time. The scholarship will be administered as a perpetual institutional scholarship through the SWTX scholarship office. The interest earned from the corpus will be used to fund the scholarships, ensuring long-term support for students dedicated to wildlife conservation and management.

Honoring Larry J. Milstead's Legacy
Larry J. Milstead was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation. He served as a Deputy Texas Game Warden for 36 years. His involvement with the community was unsurpassed; he served as Chairman and Director for the San Antonio Livestock Exposition for 15 years. During his lifetime of ranching, Mr. Milstead was a land steward. He understood the importance of managing livestock and their impact on habitat important for deer and quail.

Mrs. Lee Milstead expressed her desire to continue her husband's commitment to wildlife and conservation through this endowment, which will help shape the next generation of wildlife managers at SWTX. This endowment honors his legacy by empowering future wildlife professionals.

For more information about the Larry J. Milstead Wildlife Endowment and the application process, students are encouraged to contact the SWTX Wildlife Management Department.

This scholarship endowment highlights the ongoing support and investment in students committed to preserving and managing wildlife. It also serves as a reminder of the impact that individuals like Larry J. Milstead have on future generations through their dedication and generosity.