PEMBROKE, N.C.

The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc., has renewed two four-year scholarships for American Indian students at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), the university announced.

On August 18, the automaker's charitable arm announced the renewal of the scholarships in UNCP's School of Business, marking Mazda's third four-year commitment to the scholarships valued at $50,000. 

Ricky Usher, a graduate of Scotland High School in Scotland County, and Latoshua Oxendine, a graduate of Purnell Swett High School in Robeson County, were named the 2008-12 Mazda Scholars.

Usher was a member of the National Honor Society and the 2006 state championship baseball team at Scotland High School. The recipient of the Curtis Britt Award for Attitude, Character and Discipline, Usher worked two jobs this summer in preparation for college.  Usher will be the first person in his family to attend college and plans to major in business.

Oxendine was a member of the Native American Student Association and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.  Oxendine’s goal is to become an accountant.

Barbara Nocera, director of government and public affairs for Mazda USA and program director for the Mazda Foundation, offered advice for the recipients.

"Remember, we didn't give these scholarships to you, you earned them," Nocera said. "This is an exciting time for you, and I encourage you to take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities at this excellent University.”

Mazda Scholars are held in high regard at UNCP, according to Cammie Hunt-Oxendine, acting dean of the School of Business.  "Each of our Mazda Scholars has graduated and is working in an outstanding career in their chosen profession. This has been a rewarding relationship with the Mazda Foundation, and we thank them for continuing to believe in our students."

For more information about this program, contact the Office for Advancement at 910.521.6252 or email advancement@uncp.edu