Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation has partnered with the Lumbee Warriors Association to establish a scholarship at UNC Pembroke for children and grandchildren of veterans.

Representatives with the two organizations recently presented a check for $30,000 to the university during a ceremony on campus.

“This kind of money is huge to any student, but this is a special recognition to those who have served our country,” said Mike Clawson, retired U.S. Army colonel and director of Military Outreach at UNCP.

“From a military standpoint, being a veteran and a dependent of a veteran as well … what is wonderful about this is many times spouses and children of veterans serve with that veteran when he or she was on active duty, so it’s very appropriate to have scholarships for those dependents,” Clawson added.

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings said UNCP is proud to be consistently recognized by various military publications as a top school for military service members, veterans and their families.

“UNCP emphasizes to our students, faculty and staff the importance of service — and there is no higher form than military service.”

“What you’re doing is making a difference and it allows us to honor a very special segment of our student population,” he told the donors. “These are two great organizations that mean a lot to this university and to this region. We want to thank the Lumbee Warriors and LREMC for making this opportunity possible.”

Carmen Dietrich, CEO of Lumbee River EMC, said her organization and its board of directors are pleased to offer financial assistance to military families.

“Lumbee River EMC is committed to our communities and those that we serve and to those that served and continue to serve our country,” she said.

“Education is important to us and it is our honor to work with the Lumbee Warriors to help our veterans and their children.”

The check presentation was a proud moment for Larry Jones, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Jones is a member of both the Lumbee Warriors Association and LREMC’s board of directors. He is also a UNCP alumnus.

“Our veterans deserve a lot … not only respect, but they need a hand up and some assistance for having served, Jones said. “I am proud to be in a position to help others who served.”

Lumbee River EMC and UNC Pembroke have had a partnership for many years. Most recently, LREMC donated $500,000 for naming rights and upgrades to the soccer stadium. LREMC also established an endowed Scholars Program at the university.