Blackburn Institute

Andres Peña Receives Second Annual Don and Barbara “Bobbie” Siegal Endowed Scholarship

September 29, 2010

At the Blackburn Institute’s annual D. Ray Pate Dinner on September 14th 2010, Advisory Board Member Jenna Bedsole presented Andres Peña with the Don and Barbara “Bobbie” Siegal Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is designed to recognize one student in the Blackburn Institute who has demonstrated an interest in and a concern for the promotion of cultural understanding.

Upon winning this prestigious scholarship, Andres, the chairman of the University of Alabama’s Relay for Life, said, “Receiving this scholarship reaffirms my belief in the importance of helping others, especially those who are underserved or underrepresented. In doing so, especially at the University of Alabama, the possibilities of better cohesion and understanding are within reach.” When applying for the Siegal scholarship, Andres shared his experiences in affecting disparate groups on campus. As a cancer survivor, Andres has united diverse groups for the common cause of funding the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society. For two years, he has served the UA Women’s Resource Center in advocating women’s rights and operating the Young Men’s Leadership Program—a mentoring program designed to encourage leadership in disadvantaged elementary-age boys.

Dr. Philip Westbrook, Director of the Blackburn Institute, said of Andres: “I am very proud of Andres and his involvement and influence on the campus community. He is an outstanding young person whose passion for uniting diverse groups and improving the quality of life for students exemplifies the Blackburn mission.”

The Siegals said the idea for the scholarship came from the inspiration Dr. John L. Blackburn provided during the peaceful integration of the University in 1963. “We hope John L. Blackburn’s vision of a campus of caring individuals will last into perpetuity,” the Siegals said about the legacy they would like the scholarship to leave. They hope this scholarship will encourage students in the Blackburn Institute to continue to make the campus a place where all students feel welcomed so they can pursue their education in an atmosphere of equality. Andres emphasized how this scholarship falls into the legacy of Dr. Blackburn, saying, “This scholarship specifically impacts students in Blackburn who never had the opportunity to meet him. It serves not only as a reminder of his passion and accomplishments, but as a challenge to the future Fellows of the Blackburn Institute to pursue inclusiveness among all groups.”

- Ian Sams, Blackburn Class of 2008

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