May 3, 2006-The first recipient of the Lori Kay Soares Hacking Memorial Scholarship will graduate this Friday at the commencement ceremonies of the David Eccles School of Business scheduled for 4:15 p.m. in the Jon M. Huntsman Center. In her application, scholarship recipient Linda Hines described herself as a student who refused to give up on her education, despite hardships in life. “Against all odds, I have overcome, I am a fighter, I am a believer,” wrote Hines.

Hines will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. “I know Lori is happy about Linda’s graduation,” said Thelma Soares, Lori”s mother. “Lori loved education and she must be thrilled that this scholarship is helping young women like Linda gain an education.”

The Lori Kay Soares Hacking Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004 in memory of the University of Utah student and the David Eccles School of Business graduate. “It represents the caring people throughout the world. We have been overwhelmed at the kindness and generosity of so many who quietly shared their resources in Lori’s behalf,” said Thelma Soares when she presented a check for $12,500 to the David Eccles School of Business in Lori’s name.

Linda’s heartfelt comment expresses her appreciation for the scholarship opportunity. “Through this scholarship, my future is brighter than it’s ever been. Not only have I benefited, but my young daughter will have advantages I never dreamed were possible. I’d like to thank the Soares family and everyone who contributed to Lori’s memory through their donations,” said Hines.

Nearly two years have passed since the scholarship was first established and the endowment has grown to over $195,000. From Oprah Winfrey’s donation of $50,000 to a little boy who sent a dollar bill and a dime to the Soares family, the scholarship embodies hope born from a tragedy.

While Lori was a student at the U, she received the University of Utah President’s Award for outstanding scholastic achievement and was named the George S. Eccles Intern in Business Policy for her internship through the University’s Hinckley Institute of Politics. She was selected for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for collegiate schools of business. Lori graduated cum laude in December 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in management.

The scholarship is an ongoing educational opportunity for students already enrolled in the David Eccles School of Business. “We are pleased that the David Eccles School of Business can partner with so many who have made this scholarship possible,” said Dean Jack Brittain. “We are committed to providing an opportunity to as many women as we can possibly serve through this scholarship endowment. The need is great and we will continue to support the dream of the Soares family.”

Future applicants must be full-time students who have been admitted into the David Eccles School of Business prior to their junior year of study and can meet the criteria of the scholarship. For more information on the scholarship or to make a contribution, visit http://www.business.utah.edu/go/undergraduate/68 , or call 801-581-7853.