GS student-veteran Bill Roberts was selected as a 2013 Tillman Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundation, which awards $10,000 annually to students in pursuit of completing an undergraduate or graduate degree. From 2008-2012, Roberts, who is studying economics and comparative literature, served as a U.S. Army cryptologic linguist alongside Special Forces. He is one of four 2013 Columbia University Tillman Scholars, and the second from the School of General Studies; the first was Michael McDonald '12, 2011 scholar, who served in the Army National Guard.
The Tillman Military Scholars program, administered by the Pat Tillman Foundation, supports veterans from all branches of the military by providing scholarships that cover educational costs, as well as other needs like housing and child care. The program also focuses on guiding veterans to serve and lead in their local communities, and supports their transition to civilian life. Columbia University is one of 16 universities serving as Tillman Military Scholar University Partners.
