The Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship: Honoring Leadership and Service
The Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship at the University of Maryland stands as a tribute to the life, legacy, and values of 1st Lt. Richard W. Collins III. This need-based scholarship supports undergraduate students at the University of Maryland, with a preference for those participating in Army ROTC, Naval ROTC, and Air Force ROTC programs. It aims to recognize and support students who exemplify a commitment to service, strong leadership skills, and good character rooted in integrity and determination, all qualities embodied by Lt. Collins.
Remembering Lt. Richard W. Collins III
Lt. Richard W. Collins III, a 23-year-old ROTC cadet at Bowie State University (BSU), was tragically killed on the University of Maryland campus just days before his graduation. He was set to begin his commission in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. The profound impact of his death on May 20, 2017, resonated deeply within the entire Maryland community.
Coming from a military family-his father a retired Navy veteran with 25 years of service and his grandfather a Korean War veteran-Lt. Collins was Airborne-qualified and aspired to become an intelligence officer. He was known as an outstanding leader. He was committed to service and possessed strong character, valuing hard work, integrity, and courage. To honor his legacy, Bowie State University and the University of Maryland established the Social Justice Alliance.
Scholarship Eligibility and Requirements
To be considered for the Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship, students must meet specific criteria and complete the necessary application steps:
- Enrollment Status: Applicants must be currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduates at the University of Maryland and in good academic standing.
- Financial Need: Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to demonstrate financial need.
- Commitment to Service, Leadership, and Character: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to service, strong leadership skills, and good character rooted in integrity and determination. Preference is given to students who are members of Army ROTC, Naval ROTC, and Air Force ROTC programs.
Scholarship Administration and Award Details
The Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Maryland. The scholarship provides need-based support for undergraduate students.
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Examples of Scholarship Recipients
The scholarship has already made a significant impact on the lives of deserving students. Here are a few examples of recipients who embody the values that the scholarship represents:
- Joshua Winston: The first recipient of the Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship, Joshua Winston, is a Germantown native and member of Army ROTC who transferred to UMD after graduating from Montgomery College. Winston is studying for a degree in public policy with a minor in Army leadership. UMD Army ROTC Commander Lt. Col described Winston as someone with "a bright future in the Army." Winston expressed his pride and excitement in receiving the scholarship, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Lt. Collins’s legacy.
- Skyeler: A senior in the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences. Skyeler maintains a 3.74 GPA. Skyeler serves as the Army ROTC Operations Sergeant Major, where he is responsible for the execution of cadet field training labs and exercises. He is pursuing a double degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and Arabic Studies, along with the ACES Minor in the Honors College. LTC Daniel Fass, Army ROTC Commander, notes that Skyeler “creates a positive environment built on trust” and is a “disciplined high achiever dedicated to the mission of being a leader.” He embodies the commitment to service, strong leadership skills, and intellect that the Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship seeks to recognize.
- Tiana Greer: A sophomore Physics major in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. Tiana maintains a 3.6 GPA and has twice earned semester academic honors. CDT Greer recently completed Project Global Officer, a national program offering opportunities in critical language education and overseas study. She spent five weeks learning Russian at the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, then traveled to Latvia for three weeks to continue her language education while immersed in a cross-cultural experience. LTC Daniel Fass, Army ROTC Commander, notes that CDT Greer "continuously challenges herself both physically and mentally in order to become a well-rounded leader and a future officer." She embodies the commitment to service, strong leadership skills and intellect that the Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship seeks to recognize.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities at Morgan State University
While the Lt. Richard W. Collins III Memorial Scholarship is specific to the University of Maryland, Morgan State University also offers various scholarships and financial aid programs to support its students, particularly student veterans and those interested in ROTC.
Veteran-Specific Scholarships
Morgan State University has been designated as a "Military Friendly" School. The university provides an innovative learning environment that promotes exploration, culture, and leadership skills for the military population. The Veteran's Engagement team addresses the social and economic challenges that could hinder success.
- VES Tuition Assistance Scholarship (VESTA): A $5000 VESTA is awarded to ten (10) student veterans, up to $500 per student. Each student must exhibit a need and provide proof of the gap between what they have been awarded and what they need to satisfy their current billing. The scholarship award gap MUST be less than or equal to the gap allotments of $500 in tuition costs and less than or equal to the gap allotment of $400 in book costs. Eligible matriculating student veterans can take advantage of this funding opportunity by completing the Military Funding Request Form AND submitting the applicable scholarship application by the designated due date.
- VES Housing Scholarship: Provides funds to eligible students with a gap between the 80% requirement to maintain housing and the current bill balance once classes have begun. The eligibility gap cannot exceed $500 per student per term. Eligible students MUST provide proof of their approved on-campus/off-campus housing/room assignment with their housing scholarship application.
ROTC cadets at Morgan State University are eligible to apply for any of the three VES Scholarships: the VES Tuition Assistance Scholarship, VES Book Assistance Scholarship, or VES Housing Assistance Scholarships offered to student veterans. The same eligibility and scholarship parameters apply. Cadets with the assurance of good stewardship of university funding may be awarded based on need and availability. There are 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year merit-based Army Scholarships available. All scholarships are contracted and binding. Additional scholarship opportunities are available based on career goals, availability, and application criteria.
Other Scholarship Programs at Morgan State University
- Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship and Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program: These programs offer scholarship opportunities to any eligible current high school senior. The Edward T. Conroy Scholarship is a State of Maryland-issued scholarship managed by the Office of Financial Aid and funded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Applicants must be enrolled in a 2 or 4-year program at a Maryland college or university. Applications open one time per year in April, and the application deadline is July 15th. Applications should be submitted to the school's Financial Aid office for review and determination. Eligible students could receive the award for up to 5 years of full-time attendance with 12 credits or more. Student veterans, dependents, and spouses who meet the eligibility criteria under the Department of Veterans Affairs VA Educational Benefits GI Bill Post 9/11 and the Chapter 35:Dependent Educational Assistance Program may also be eligible for assistance under this scholarship.
- Richard W. Collins III Scholarship: This scholarship is managed by the Office of Financial Aid at Morgan State and is funded through the Maryland Higher Education Commission. This scholarship provides tuition assistance funding.
- Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship: The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship extends the availability of Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement. This extension allows eligible recipients up to 9 additional months or $30,000.00 of added benefits (whichever comes first). Eligible recipients must be pursuing educational training in the STEM field. Eligible students must be a current or previous recipients of Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement. The student must be enrolled in an undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math academic degree program, a dual degree program, or have earned a STEM degree and are now pursuing a teaching certificate. Applicant(s) must have 6 months or LESS remaining entitlement under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Applicants can have one (1) day of remaining entitlement left to qualify, however, there are no guarantees that any applicant will be approved for the scholarship. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships in the term before current entitlement exhausts to ensure continuity in getting payments.
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Requirements
The online application and all required documents must be submitted to the Office of Student Financial Assistance by the closing date. All required documents will be requested and submitted online through each applicant's MDCAPS account.
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Required Documentation:
- Institutional Certification Form - Provided through the applicant's MDCAPS account. Must be completed by the institution and returned to OSFA
- Documentation confirming the student is a member of a ROTC program
- Documentation must be uploaded onto the student’s MDCAPS account
- FAFSA or MHEC One App for Undocumented students
Award Amount: An annual scholarship award shall be in the amount prescribed by MHEC, which shall not exceed the recipient's education expenses. The minimum scholarship award amount shall not be less than $500 per semester and $1,000 for the academic year. Note: Recipient's with financial need are prioritized.
Renewal Requirements: A recipient is eligible to receive a renewal award for up to three years if the recipient submits the Richard W.
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