Baylor University Announces Establishment of "RG3" Quarterback Scholarship
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Endowed scholarship announced during celebration of Robert Griffin III at the State Capitol
AUSTIN, Texas (March 12, 2013) - Celebrated Baylor University alumnus, Washington Redskins quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III was honored today by both the Texas Legislature and his alma mater, which announced the establishment of the Robert Griffin III (RG3) Quarterback Scholarship during "RG3 Day" at the State Capitol.
With Baylor President Ken Starr looking on, Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) - himself a Baylor and Baylor Law alumnus - read the scholarship proclamation during a ceremony honoring Griffin III in the Texas Senate Chambers:
"On behalf of the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni of Baylor University, we pay tribute to Robert Griffin III, for his unyielding dedication and selfless service as an ambassador of Baylor University. Achieving unprecedented success on the football field, in the classroom and in his community, Mr. Griffin has demonstrated determination, scholarship, leadership and a commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors, and as such, is hereby recognized as an example to be noted and followed.
"The Robert Griffin III (RG3) Quarterback Scholarship at Baylor University will be awarded to a standout quarterback on the Baylor Football team. Bearing the name of Mr. Griffin, the scholarship will serve as a reminder to the recipient to exhibit the characteristics of a true leader and representative of Baylor University.
"In recognition of his embodiment of Baylor University's values and distinctive mission, and in celebration of 'RG3 Day' at the Texas Legislature, we honor Mr. Griffin on this 12th day of March in the year of our Lord 2013 and in the 168th year of Baylor University."
When fully funded, the RG3 scholarship will endow the quarterback position at Baylor, providing valuable assistance to deserving students who are participating in the football program and representing Baylor at the quarterback position.
Robert Griffin III, of Copperas Cove, earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Baylor in 2010, and was actively working on his master's degree in communications when he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins. While his academic accomplishments are impressive, Baylor Nation will remember him as the transcendent quarterback of the Baylor Bears from 2008-2011.
During his career at Baylor, which included a sophomore season cut short by a knee injury, Robert became Baylor's all-time career leader in 14 statistical categories en route to winning the Heisman Memorial Trophy in 2011. Robert, known affectionately as "RG3," led Baylor football to heights not seen in decades, including Baylor's first bowl win since 1992: the 2011 Valero Alamo Bowl.
In the classroom, Robert earned Academic All-Big 12 honors. In the local community, he volunteered for numerous charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics, Friends for Life and the Food for Families Food Drive, and was named to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. In the national spotlight, he has continued to be one of the great ambassadors for Baylor University, through his character, integrity and talent. His leadership at Baylor has been transformative - as Sporting News said, "...all he has done is lead a culture change at Baylor."
To participate in this effort that will honor the lasting legacy of Robert Griffin III at Baylor University, visit www.baylor.edu/nation/rg3 to begin the secure giving process.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.