SCHOLARSHIPS SUPPORT STUDENTS' DREAMS: THE HALLMAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FURTHERS THE EDUCATION OF FUTURE TEACHERS.

When Kristen McCarthy was a sophomore, she answered a calling she'd felt in her heart since high school. She decided to become a special education teacher.

She was able to do that with the help of a scholarship established by an alumnus.

"I had volunteered for Special Olympics and worked with special needs children at summer camp," McCarthy says. "I told one of my sorority sisters that I was drawn to working with these children. She suggested I talk to the faculty who'd been helpful to her as an education major."

McCarthy declared her major as special education after receiving support not only from faculty, but from Richard Hallman, '61. She is the recipient of the Hallman Family Scholarship for special education majors.

Hallman established the scholarship for many reasons. First, he cares about his alma mater and has stayed involved through the years

"High Point University means a great deal to me," says Hallman, who is also the founder and chairman of Electronic Data Systems in the city of High Point. "I was a business administration major, and my education has been helpful to me all through my business career. I have also enjoyed serving on the university's Panther Club and Board of Visitors."

In addition, his family has experienced the kindness and generosity of special education teachers. Hallman has two granddaughters with autism who have developed their abilities by working with their teachers.

"There are many children who need skilled educators who care about them, and only a small number of people are willing to...