The Smithfield-Luter Foundation is happy to announce that it is extending its scholarship program to three new universities – Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C., Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va. and Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va.

The Foundation will provide $25,000 to each school in 2007 to fund scholarships and up to $100,000 to each school over the next four years based on the strength of their programs. The universities will administer the scholarships programs and make all decisions on awarding scholarships.

“We’re pleased to expand our scholarship program to these fine institutions,” said Dennis H. Treacy, executive director of the Smithfield-Luter Foundation and vice president of environmental and corporate affairs for Smithfield Foods. “We feel strongly about educating our young people and believe it is a critical part of making a community a better place to live, raise a family, work and do business.”

The Smithfield-Luter Foundation was founded in 2002 by Smithfield Foods chairman Joseph W. Luter, III to provide scholarships to the children and grandchildren of company employees. The Foundation’s first partnership was with Luter’s alma mater, Wake Forest University. The Foundation previously expanded its scholarship program to include Virginia Tech, Iowa State and Johnson & Wales Universities.

In order to be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be a dependent child or grandchild of a Smithfield Foods employee; demonstrate financial need; and be accepted by one of the partnership schools.

Each scholarship is a one-year grant that will be renewable for each year of the scholarship student’s undergraduate study provided that the student continues to be enrolled as a full-time student and remains in good academic standing.

For more information about the Smithfield-Luter scholarship program, and to apply online, please visit our website at www.smithfieldluterfoundation.com. Also, be on the lookout for information sessions hosted by representatives from these new schools at Smithfield facilities in the near future.

About the New Universities

Fayetteville State University

Founded in 1867, FSU is the second-oldest public institution in North Carolina. The university offers 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts, sciences, business, and education. A constituent institution of the University of North Carolina, FSU has a diverse student enrollment of more than 6,300 students.

During the university’s illustrious history, there have been 10 chief executive officers. In 2003, Dr. T.J. Bryan assumed the Chancellorship. She became the first woman elected by The University of North Carolina Board of Governors to lead the 140-year-old institution. She is also the first African-American woman appointed as head of a University of North Carolina institution.

“This is a tremendous gesture on the part of the Smithfield-Luter Foundation,” said Dr. Bryan. “So many prospective students are in need of scholarship dollars to finance their college educations. The Smithfield-Luter Foundation has recognized this need and is making a commitment to these students and their families. The foundation’s donation is a testimony to its dedication to our future generations.”

Norfolk State University

Founded in 1935, Norfolk State University is a comprehensive four-year, co-educational, urban institution, located in Norfolk, Virginia on a 134-acre campus. The University’s mission is to provide an affordable high-quality education for an ethnically and culturally diverse population, equipping each student with the capability to become productive citizens who continuously contribute to a global and rapidly changing society. For more than 70 years, Norfolk State University has served the residents of Hampton Roads and many cities and communities along the mid-Atlantic. Throughout its history, the institution has been a beacon of hope for high school graduates from various socio-economic backgrounds seeking a college degree.

Today, the University boasts a student population of more than 6,200 and has an extended campus center at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center. Norfolk State University has over 300 full-time faculty equivalent members and nearly 700 administrators and support staff

"We are excited that the Smithfield-Luter Foundation has chosen Norfolk State as one of its very select partners," said Phillip D. Adams, Norfolk State University interim vice president for University Advancement. "It opens opportunities for our students who may have a desire to pursue careers at Smithfield Foods or one of their subsidiaries."

Virginia Union University

Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University has the distinction of being one of the oldest historically black universities in the South. Seeking to empower students, the University provides dynamic academic and support programs that help students develop strong moral values to build a foundation for success.

Virginia Union University develops scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners who attain their maximum potential to become contributing members of a global society. The University’s nationally recognized programs in business, education, social work, science, and theology are taught by highly qualified faculty in small class settings.

“The opportunity to provide additional dollars for students to pursue a Virginia Union education is an exciting prospect for us,” said Dr. Belinda C. Anderson, Virginia Union University President. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship with the Smithfield-Luter Foundation.”