TIFTON — Two ABAC freshmen will get some extra help with the cost of tuition as the first recipients of a new scholarship.

In an effort to assist Hispanic students financially, Abraham Baldwin College established The Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund Endowment, which provides scholarships for Hispanic students whose parents currently live in the United States.

The endowment was made possible with a $500,000 grant that ABAC received from The Goizueta Foundation of Atlanta in December 2003.

Ernesto Ortiz Ariza and Daniel Andr/s Alamo Segura have been named the first two recipients.

The scholarship represents a major step in ABAC’s initiative to assist the Hispanic population of Georgia, which grew by 300 percent from 1990-2000. According to the 2000 Census Report, Hispanics comprise six percent of the population in ABAC’s surrounding nine-county area.

Ortiz Ariza and Alamo Segura will join an increasing number of Hispanic students enrolled at ABAC. During the 2003 fall semester, 3.6 percent of the 3,407 members of the student body classified themselves as Hispanic or Latino.

Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Ortiz Ariza moved to Tifton in 1995 and graduated from Tift County High School. He was a member of the Beta Club and Y Club and served in the Model United Nations as Director General. Currently, he is President of the National Migrant and Immigrant Youth Board. Ortiz Ariza was also recognized as the 2004 Georgia Migrant Education Honor Graduate at the State Board of Education Meeting in Atlanta.

“I chose ABAC because it’s close to home,” Ortiz Ariza said. “I have friends here, so it’s a good place to start. I’m really looking forward to college life. And I am very proud to be one of the first students to receive this scholarship. I am thankful to my parents for all of their advice and support. My dad is my role model. He taught me never to say that I ‘can’t’ do something. He’s always there for me, and I can count on him.”

Ortiz Ariza will major in political science/law at ABAC. He plans to join the Student Government Association.

“I want to become a lawyer because I’ve seen a lot of injustices,” he said. “I would like to represent people — including farm workers and laborers — and start changing the image of Latino/Hispanic workers and of workers in general. I want to use the legal system to promote their well-being and to ensure equal opportunities.”

Alamo Segura, who is originally from Caracas, Venezuela, moved to Fitzgerald in 1999. He attended Bowens Mill Christian Center, a community school in Fitzgerald. While attending school, Alamo Segura mentored children and helped with music programs in the community.

Alamo Segura said he chose ABAC because of the convenience and because he has family here.

“My brother is here, and I’m looking forward to being with him again as well as meeting new people,” he said. “I was very happy to receive this scholarship. My mom and I are very proud. We are also thankful to God because we had been praying for an opportunity like this. I want to thank my family and the Bowens Mill Christian community.”

Alamo Segura plans to major in computer science at ABAC. He also hopes to play in ABAC’s Jazz Band.

“My mom was a big influence on me,” he said. “She worked in the oil industry for 20 years using computers and different technologies. She is the reason why I am so interested in computers and want to pursue a career in the computer science field.”

Both Ortiz Ariza and Alamo Segura will live in the new ABAC Place Apartments when the fall semester begins on August 23.

Roberto C. Goizueta established The Goizueta Foundation in 1992 to provide financial assistance to educational and charitable institutions.

A native of Cuba and a graduate of Yale University, Goizueta was Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company until his death in October 1997.

The scholarship selection committee was comprised of ABAC personnel as well as members of the community.

“The talents and experience of a diverse group came together with enthusiasm and dedication to make a significant contribution — not only to ABAC, but to our community as well,” said Betty McCorvey, Assistant Director of Development at ABAC.

To be eligible for The Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund Scholarship, a student must be Hispanic/Latino, accepted to ABAC with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher, able to demonstrate financial need and live in the United States.