Fader, Whitesell Receive Big 12 Postgraduate Scholarships

IRVING, Texas ? Two Iowa State student-athletes were the recipients of the 2010-2011 Dr. Prentice Gaut Postgraduate Scholarships, the Big 12 Conference announced Wednesday. Cyclone soccer student-athlete Lauren Fader and cross country and track and field student-athlete Alex Whitesell were two of 24 recipients of this year's scholarships.

Criteria for the awards includes a cumulative grade point average of 3.5, participation in at least two years of intercollegiate athletics at the nominee's respective institution and completion of athletics' eligibility. The student-athletes must also graduate from their respective institution within 15 months of their selection for a postgraduate scholarship and are expected to enroll in graduate or professional schools within two years of graduation

The scholarships are named in honor of the late Dr. Prentice Gautt, a former Big 12 Conference staff member and student services' pioneer who passed away in March 2005. The list of all-time recipients has grown to 273 since the inception of the Big 12 in 1996-1997. Beginning in 2002-2003, additional funding increased scholarship award members to two per member institution.

To date, the Big 12 Conference has provided $1,835,000 for postgraduate education. The individual grants began at $2,500 in 1996-1997, were raised to $5,000 in 1999, increased to $6,900 for 2004-2005 and most recently climbed to $7,500 in 2006-2007.