Remembering those who helped you and in return wanting to help others isn’t something that is done everyday. Some may even take for granted what has been given to them, but not Demopolis’ own Dr. Ronnie Chu and J.R. Rivas.

Together they have formed two scholarships: the Rivas & Chu Family Scholarship and the Future Leaders of Demopolis Scholarship.

“We wanted to help those who might not get any help in return,” Chu said. “I know that most students get scholarships by being very smart and receiving scholarships through high test scores and academics or either they receive educational monies through grants. We wanted to develop scholarships to those whose parents work hard to earn a living, their children are deserving and they might get left out or overlooked.”

The scholarships will be offered to an incoming freshman to UWA as well as a student already attending UWA.

Each of the scholarships will be for one year’s tuition.

Chu and Rivas are also looking to start a third scholarship that will be given away next fall and they hope to encourage other local businessmen and women alike to join their efforts.

“We want local businesses to join us in raising money for another scholarship,” Rivas said. “With their help, we can help even more and offer even more opportunities to the students in Demopolis.”

The third scholarship will not be limited to the use of UWA. The scholarship can be used at other universities.

The scholarships will be given to those in high standing and a grade point average of at least 3.0.

“Dr. Chu and I thought this would be a good way to give back to the children of Demopolis,” Rivas said. “We know that there are many people that have helped us get to where we are today, for example in my business and his practice, and we just wanted to give back in any way that we could.”

To learn more about these scholarships or to apply, please contact UWA or Wesley Gordon, the Director of Development at (205) 652-3533.